T7 RNA polymerase variants

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides engineered T7 RNA polymerase variants and compositions thereof. These variants have been evolved for selective incorporation of the symmetrical capped GTP analog over GTP at the initiation of in vitro transcription. The present invention also provides methods for using the variants provided herein. The present invention further provides for the use of the compositions provided herein.

The present application claims priority U.S. Prov. Pat. Appln. Ser. No. 62/527,764, filed Jun. 30, 2017, and U.S. Prov. Pat. Appln. Ser. No. 62/528,846, filed Jul. 5, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides engineered T7 RNA polymerase variants and compositions thereof. These variants have been evolved for selective incorporation of the m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G cap analog over GTP at the initiation of in vitro transcription. The present invention also provides methods for using the variants provided herein. The present invention further provides for the use of the compositions provided herein.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE OR COMPUTER PROGRAM

The official copy of the Sequence Listing is submitted concurrently with the specification as an ASCII formatted text file via EFS-Web, with a file name of “CX8-168CUSP1_ST25.txt”, a creation date of Jul. 5, 2017, and a size of 184,320 bytes. The Sequence Listing filed via EFS-Web is part of the specification and is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

T7 RNA polymerase (E.C. 2.7.7.6), is a monomeric bacteriophage-encoded DNA directed RNA polymerase that catalyzes the formation of RNA in the 5′ to 3′ direction. In the process of transcription initiation, T7 RNA polymerase recognizes a specific promoter sequence (i.e., the T7 promoter). The naturally-occurring T7 RNA polymerase comprises 883 amino acids. It is highly homologous to T3 RNA polymerase and somewhat homologous to SP6 RNA polymerase. T7 is comprised of multiple domains, including the N-terminal domain, the “thumb,” the “palm” and the “fingers” (See e.g., Sousa and Mukherjee, Prog. Nucl. Acid Res. Mol. Biol., 73:1-41 [2003], and U.S. Pat. No. 9,193,959). The conformation of the N-terminal domain changes between the initiation and elongation phases of the functioning enzyme.

Cloning and expression of the gene encoding T7 RNA polymerase have been described (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,496). Due to its promoter specificity and high RNA polymerase activity, T7 has been used for various applications. It is also useful for the high-level expression of recombinant genes in E. coli (See, Studier and Moffat, J. Mol. Biol., 18:113-130 [1986]). T7 is also used in various nucleic acid amplification methods, including those used in diagnostic methods. As stability and thermostability are often important considerations in the development of components of diagnostic methods, work has been reported on improving the thermostability and stability of T7 (See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,193,959, 8,551,752, and 7,507,567, etc.). Nonetheless, there remains a need in the art for variant T7 enzymes that exhibit improved properties, as compared to the naturally-occurring enzyme.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides engineered T7 RNA polymerase variants and compositions thereof. These variants have been evolved for selective incorporation of the symmetrical capped GTP analog over GTP at the initiation of in vitro transcription. The present invention also provides methods for using the variants provided herein. The present invention further provides for the use of the compositions provided herein.

The present invention provides engineered RNA polymerases comprising polypeptide sequences having at least 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity to the reference sequence of SEQ ID NOS:4 and/or 15, or functional fragments thereof, wherein the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set in the polypeptide sequences, and wherein the amino acid positions of the polypeptide sequences are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4 or 15.

In some embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from 32/357, 49/642, 97/357, 136, 137, 160/643, 167/514, 250, 302/513, 314/401, 357, 392, 393, 394, 397, 401, 404, 444, 446, 478, 513, 514, 582, 635, 636, 637, 639, 642, 643, 645, 653, 656, 660, 660/806, 661, and 664, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4. In some further embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from 32V/357I, 49G/642L, 97D/357G, 136E/I, 137W, 160L/643S, 167N/514L, 250D, 302V/513G, 314C/401V, 357G/K/L/M/N/Q/R/S/T/V/W, 392D, 393L/Y, 394A/L/R, 397F/M/Q/W, 401A/I/L/S/V, 404E/Y, 444F/H/I/V, 446W/Y, 478F/M/W, 513C/F/K/L/R/T/W, 514F/I/L/Y, 582N, 635W, 636L, 637G/P/S, 639H, 642L, 643A, 645V, 653C, 656F/W, 660A/C/M/S/T/W, 660N/806Y, 661E/Y, and 664W, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4. In some additional embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from A32V/E357I, E49G/M642L, E97D/E357G, A136E/I, D137W, R160L/T643S, K167N/S514L, T250D, A302V/D513G, R314C/R401V, E357G/K/L/M/N/Q/R/S/T/V/W, Y392D, R393L/Y, K394A/L/R, A397F/M/Q/W, R401A/I/L/S/V, S404E/Y, N444F/H/I/V, M446W/Y, D478F/M/W, D513C/F/K/L/R/T/W, S514F/I/L/Y, A582N, S635W, V636L, T637G/P/S, R639H, M642L, T643A, A645V, F653C, Q656F/W, D660A/C/M/S/T/W, D660N/H806Y, T661E/Y, and P664W, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4.

In some embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from 397/513/635, 397/513/635/660, 513/660/664, 513/635/660, 513/635/664, 513/660/664, and 660/664, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4. In some further embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from 397F/513W/635W, 397F/513Y/635W, 397W/513Y/635W, 397W/513W/635W, 397W/513Y/635W/660F, 397W/513W/635W/660W, 397Y/513W/635W/660F, 475V/513W/635W/660Y, 513F/660W/664Y, 513W/635W/660F, 513W/635W/664W, 513Y/635W/660F, 513Y/635W/660Y, 513Y/660W/664W, and 660Y/664W, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4. In some additional embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from A397F/D513W/S635W, A397F/D513Y/S635W, A397W/D513Y/S635W, A397W/D513W/S635W, A397W/D513Y/S635W/D660F, A397W/D513W/S635W/D660W, A397Y/D513W/S635W/D660F, A475V/D513W/S635W/D660Y, D513F/D660W/P664Y, D513W/S635W/D660F, D513W/S635W/P664W, D513Y/S635W/D660F, D513Y/S635W/D660Y, D513Y/D660W/P664W, and D660Y/P664W, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4.

In some embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from 397, 397/513, 397/513/635, 397/513/635, 397/513/635/656, 397/513/635/656/660, 397/513/635/656/660/664, 397/513/635/656/664, 397/513/635/660, 397/513/635/660/664, 397/513/635/664, 397/513/656/660, 397/513/660, 397/513/660/664, 397/513/664, 397/513, 397/635, 397/635/656/660/664, 397/635/656/664, 397/635/660, 397/635/664, 397/635/664/850, 397/660, 397/664, 397/660/664, 397/837, 399/635/660, 475/513/635/660, 513, 513/635, 513/635/656, 513/635/656/660, 513/635/656/664, 513/635/660, 513/635/660/664, 513/635/664, 513/656/660, 513/656/664, 513/660, 513/660/664, 513/664, 635, 635/656, 635/656/664, 635/660, 635/660/664, 635/664, 656/660/664, 658, 660, 660/664, and 664, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4. In some further embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from 397F, 397F/513F, 397F/513F/635F, 397F/513F/635W, 397F/513F/635W/660W, 397F/513W/635W, 397F/513W/635W/656F/664F, 397F/513W/664W, 397F/513Y, 397F/513Y/635W, 397F/513Y/635W/656W, 397F/513Y/635W/664F, 37F/513Y/656H/660W, 397F/635F/660W, 397F/635W, 397F/660W, 397F/664W, 397W, 397W/513F, 397W/513F/635F/656F/660F/664W, 397W/513F/635F/660W, 397W/513F/635W, 397W/513F/660F, 397W/513F/660W, 397W/513F/660Y/664F, 397W/513W, 397W/513W/635F, 397W/513W/635F/656W/660F, 397W/513W/635W, 397W/513W/635W/656Y, 397W/513W/635W/660W, 397W/513W/635W/660W/664Y, 397W/513W/635W/660Y/664Y, 397W/513W/660W, 397W/513W/660W/664Y, 397W/513W/664F, 397W/513W/664W, 397W/513Y/635F, 397W/513Y/635W/656Y/660W/664W, 397W/513Y/635W, 397W/513Y/635W/656Y/664Y, 397W/513Y/635W/660F, 397W/635F, 397W/635F/664F, 397W/635W, 397W/635W/656F/664F, 397W/635W/656F/664W, 397W/635W/656F/664Y, 397W/635W/660W, 397W/635W/660Y, 397W/635W/664F, 397W/635W/664W/850T, 397W/660F/664F, 397W/660F/664Y, 397W/660W, 397W/837K, 397Y, 397Y/513F/635W/656F/660W/664F, 397Y/513F/635W/664W, 397Y/513W/635F/664Y, 397Y/513W/635W/660F, 397Y/513W/656W/660W, 397Y/513Y, 397Y/513Y/635W, 397Y/635F, 397Y/635F/660W, 397Y/635W, 397Y/635W/656F/660Y/664W, 397Y/635W/660F, 397Y/660F/664W, 397Y/664F, 399E/635F/660W, 475V/513W/635W/660Y, 513F, 513F/635F, 513F/635W, 513F/635W/656W, 513F/635W/664W, 513F/660W, 513F/660W/664F, 513F/660W/664Y, 513W, 513W/635F, 513W/635W, 513Y/635F/660F/664Y, 513W/635W/656W/660F, 513W/635W/660F, 513W/635W/664W, 513W/656W/664W, 513W/656Y/660W, 513W/660F, 513W/660W, 513Y/635F, 513Y/635F/664W, 513Y/635R/656F/664Y, 513Y/635W, 513Y/635W/660F, 513Y/635W/660Y, 513Y/635W/660Y/664F, 513Y/660W, 513Y/660W/664W, 513Y/660Y/664F, 513Y/664Y, 635F/656F/664Y, 635F/656Y/664W, 635F/660W/664F, 635W, 635W/656W, 635W/660F, 635W/660W, 635W/664W, 656W/660F/664Y, 656W/660W/664Y, 658P, 660F, 660F/664F, 660F/664Y, 660W/664F, 660Y/664W, 664F, and 664W, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4. In some additional embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from A397F, A397F/D513F, A397F/D513F/S635F, A397F/D513F/S635W, A397F/D513F/S635W/D660W, A397F/D513W/S635W, A397F/D513W/S635W/Q656F/P664F, A397F/D513W/P664W, A397F/D513Y, A397F/D513Y/S635W, A397F/D513Y/S635W/Q656W, A397F/D513Y/S635W/P664F, A397F/D513Y/Q656H/D660W, A397F/S635F/D660W, A397F/S635W, A397F/D660W, A397F/P664W, A397W, A397W/D513F, A397W/D513F/S635F/Q656F/D660F/P664W, A397W/D513F/S635F/D660W, A397W/D513F/S635W, A397W/D513F/D660F, A397W/D513F/D660W, A397W/D513F/D660Y/P664F, A397W/D513W, A397W/D513W/S635F, A397W/D513W/S635F/Q656W/D660F, A397W/D513W/S635W, A397W/D513W/S635W/Q656Y, A397W/D513W/S635W/D660W, A397W/D513W/S635W/D660W/P664Y, A397W/D513W/S635W/D660Y/P664Y, A397W/D513W/D660W, A397W/D513W/P664F, A397W/D513W/D660W/P664Y, A397W/D513W/P664W, A397W/D513Y/S635F, A397W/D513Y/S635W/Q656Y/D660W/P664W, A397W/D513Y/S635W, A397W/D513Y/S635W/Q656Y/P664Y, A397W/D513Y/S635W/D660F, A397W/S635F, A397W/S635F/P664F, A397W/S635W, A397W/S635W/Q656F/P664F, A397W/S635W/Q656F/P664W, A397W/S635W/Q656F/P664Y, A397W/S635W/D660W, A397W/S635W/D660Y, A397W/S635W/P664F, A397W/S635W/P664W/A850T, A397W/D660F/P664F, A397W/D660F/P664Y, A397W/D660W, A397W/E837K, A397Y, A397Y/D513F/S635W/Q656F/D660W/P664F, A397Y/D513F/S635W/P664W, A397Y/D513W/S635F/P664Y, A397Y/D513W/S635W/D660F, A397Y/D513W/Q656W/D660W, A397Y/D513Y, A397Y/D513Y/S635W, A397Y/S635F, A397Y/S635F/D660W, A397Y/S635W, A397Y/S635W/Q656F/D660Y/P664W, A397Y/S635W/D660F, A397Y/D660F/P664W, A397Y/P664F, K399E/S635F/D660W, A475V/D513W/S635W/D660Y, D513F, D513F/S635F, D513F/S635W, D513F/S635W/Q656W, D513F/S635W/P664W, D513F/D660W, D513F/D660W/P664F, D513F/D660W/P664Y, D513W, D513W/S635F, D513W/S635W, D513Y/S635F/D660F/P664Y, D513W/S635W/Q656W/D660F, D513W/S635W/D660F, D513W/S635W/P664W, D513W/Q656W/P664W, D513W/Q656Y/D660W, D513W/D660F, D513W/D660W, D513Y/S635F, D513Y/S635F/P664W, D513Y/S635R/Q656F/P664Y, D513Y/S635W, D513Y/S635W/D660F, D513Y/S635W/D660Y, D513Y/S635W/D660Y/P664F, D513Y/D660W, D513Y/D660W/P664W, D513Y/D660Y/P664F, D513Y/P664Y, S635F/Q656F/P664Y, S635F/Q656Y/P664W, S635F/D660W/P664F, S635W, S635W/Q656W, S635W/D660F, S635W/D660W, S635W/P664W, Q656W/D660F/P664Y, Q656W/D660W/P664Y, L658P, D660F, D660F/P664F, D660F/P664Y, D660W/P664F, D660Y/P664W, P664F/W, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4.

In some embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from 113/137/513, 136/357/404/514, 136/357/514, 136/394/404/446, 136/401, 136/401/404, 136/404/446, 136/404/514, 136/446, 136/514, 137, 137/401, 137/401/513, 137/401/513, 137/513, 137/513/621, 137/635, 137/656, 357/394/401/404/514, 357/394/446/514, 357/514, 394/446/514, 401/404, 401/404/514, 401/513/635, 401/635, 513/635, 513/635/656, 513/660, 635/656, 635/660, and 660, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:15. In some further embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from 113M/137W/513R, 136E/357I/404Y/514I, 136I/357I/514F, 136I/357K/514F, 136I/394R/404Y/446W, 136I/401V, 136I/401V/404Y, 136E/404Y/446W, 136E/404Y/514F, 136I/446W, 136E/514F, 136I/514I, 137W, 137W/401I, 137W/401S, 137W/401S/513R, 137W/401S/513W, 137W/401V, 137W/513W, 137W/513R/621R, 137W/635W, 137W/656F, 357N/394R/446W/514I, 357R/394R/401V/404Y/514L, 357R/514F, 394R/446W/514I, 401S/513R/635W, 401S/635W, 401V/404Y, 401V/404Y/514L, 513L/635W, 513L/660W, 513R/635W/656F, 635W/656F, 635W/660T, and 660S/T, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:15. In some additional embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from L113M/D137W/D513R, A136E/E357I/S404Y/S514I, A136E/S404Y/M446W, A136E/S404Y/S514F, A136E/S514F, A136I/E357I/S514F, A136I/E357K/S514F, A136I/K394R/S404Y/M446W, A136I/R401V, A136I/R401V/S404Y, A136I/M446W, A136I/S514I, D137W, D137W/R401I, D137W/R401S, D137W/R401S/D513R, D137W/R401S/D513W, D137W/R401V, D137W/D513W, D137W/D513R/K621R, D137W/S635W, D137W/Q656F, E357N/K394R/M446W/S514I, E357R/K394R/R401V/S404Y/S514L, E357R/S514F, K394R/M446W/S514I, R401S/D513R/S635W, R401S/S635W, R401V/S404Y, R401V/S404Y/S514L, D513L/S635W, D513L/D660W, D513R/S635W/Q656F, S635W/Q656F, S635W/D660T, and D660S/T, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:15.

In some additional embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerases comprise polypeptide sequences at least 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more identical to the sequence of at least one engineered RNA polymerase variant set forth in Table 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, and/or 5.6. In some additional embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerase comprises a variant engineered polymerase provided in Table 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, and/or 5.6. In some additional embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerase is a variant engineered polymerase provided in Table 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, and/or 5.6.

In yet some additional embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerase comprises a polypeptide sequence that is at least 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more identical to the sequence of at least one engineered RNA polymerase variant set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, and/or 39. In some further embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerase comprises a variant engineered polymerase set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, or 39. In some further embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerase is a variant engineered polymerase set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, or 39.

In some further embodiments, the engineered polymerase comprises at least one improved property compared to wild-type T7 RNA polymerase. In some further embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerase exhibits at least one improved property selected from improved selectivity for cap analog relative to GTP during transcription initiation, improved protein expression, improved stability in storage buffer, and improved stability under reaction conditions. In some additional embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerase maintains RNA yield, transcription fidelity, thermostability, protein expression, stability at −20C, or stability in reaction conditions equivalent to the wild-type T7 RNA polymerase. In yet some additional embodiments, the engineered RNA polymerase is purified. In still some further embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising at least one engineered RNA polymerase provided herein.

The present invention also provides polynucleotide sequences encoding at least one engineered RNA polymerase provided herein. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide sequences encoding at least one engineered RNA polymerase comprise at least 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity to the reference sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and/or 15, or a functional fragment thereof, wherein the engineered RNA polymerase comprises at least one substitution at one or more amino acid positions. In some further embodiments, the polynucleotide sequences encoding the engineered RNA polymerases provided herein comprise at least 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37 and/or 39, or a functional fragment thereof. In some further embodiments, the polynucleotide sequences encoding at least one engineered RNA polymerase comprise at least 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity SEQ ID NO: 3, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, and/or 38. In yet some additional embodiments, the polynucleotide sequences are operably linked to a control sequence. In still some further embodiments, the polynucleotide sequences are codon optimized.

The present invention also provides expression vectors comprising at least one polynucleotide sequence provided herein. The present invention further provides host cells comprising at least one expression vector provided herein. The present invention also provides methods for producing an engineered RNA polymerase in a host cell, comprising culturing the host cell provided herein, under suitable cultures conditions, such that at least one engineered RNA polymerase is produced. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise recovering at least one engineered RNA polymerase from the culture and/or host cell. In yet some additional embodiments, the methods further comprise the step of purifying at least one engineered RNA polymerase.

The present invention also provides methods for producing capped RNA transcripts, comprising providing a composition comprising: i) at least one engineered RNA polymerase provided herein, a dinucleotide cap analog, and ii) a DNA template; exposing the DNA template to the composition under conditions such that the engineered RNA polymerase produces a capped RNA transcript. In some embodiments of the methods, the dinucleotide cap analog is alpha, gamma-bis(N7-methylguanosine) triphosphate (m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G) or an anti-reverse cap analog 3′-O-Me-m⁷G(5′)ppp(5′)G. In some further embodiments of the methods, the dinucleotide cap analog is alpha, gamma-bis(N7-methylguanosine) triphosphate. In yet some additional embodiments of the methods, inorganic pyrophosphatase is added to the reaction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides the chemical structure of “m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G,” also referred to as “alpha, gamma-bis(N7-methylguanosine) triphosphate”, “capped-GTP,” “symmetrical cap analog”, or “Cap”.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides engineered T7 RNA polymerase variants and compositions thereof. These variants have been evolved for selective incorporation of the m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G analog over GTP at the initiation of in vitro transcription. The present invention also provides methods for using the variants provided herein. The present invention further provides for the use of the compositions provided herein.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for the efficient generation of capped RNA. Most eukaryotic cellular mRNA transcripts and most eukaryotic viral mRNA transcripts, as well as other form of eukaryotic RNS (e.g., small nuclear RNA [snRNA], and pre-micro RNA [pre-miRNA]) are blocked or “capped” at their 5′ termini (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,846,348, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The cap is a guanine nucleoside that is joined via its 5′-carbon to a triphosphate group that is joined to the 5′ carbon the most 5′ nucleotide of the primary mRNA transcript. In most eukaryotes, the nitrogen at the 7 position of guanine in the cap nucleotide is methylated. The 5′ caps of these RNA molecules play important roles in RNA stability and processing. The cap plays a very important role in mRNA metabolism and is required for processing and maturation of RNA transcripts in the nucleus, transport of mRNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, mRNA stability, and efficient translation of the mRNA to protein (See e.g., Lewis et. al., Eur. J. Biochem., 247:461-9 [1997].). The 5′ cap structure is involved in the initiation of protein synthesis of eukaryotic and viral mRNAs. The 5′ cap also provides resistance to 5′-exonuclease activity and its absence results in rapid degradation of mRNA (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,836,348; and Furiichi et. al., Nat., 266:235-9 [1997]). Due to the advantages provided by capping, the efficient synthesis of capped RNA transcripts provides considerable value for a variety of functions, including but not limited to in vitro and in vivo protein synthesis.

In vitro synthesis of capped RNA can be practically accomplished through one of two enzymatic routes. The Vaccinia virus capping enzyme has two subunits and three enzymatic activities that add the 7-methylguanosine cap structure to the 5′ phosphate of in vitro transcribed RNA (See, Mao and Shuman, J. Biol. Chem., 269:24472-9 [1994]).

An alternative method for in vitro synthesis of capped RNA is to incorporate a cap structure during in vitro transcription with the use of a cap analog. These 7-methylguanosine-containing dinucleotides contain a 5′-5′ triphosphate linkage, and are incorporated at the initiation site of transcription, resulting in a 7-methylguanosine capped RNA product. T7 RNA polymerase natively initiates transcription with incorporation of a guanosine opposite a cytosine residue on the template. To achieve a high efficiency of capping, the guanosine cap analog must be present in the in vitro transcription reaction at a high concentration relative to GTP, with which it competes for incorporation at the first position in the mRNA. One useful feature of co-transcriptional in vitro capping is that because the cap incorporation in achieved during initiation, the final sequence or secondary structure of the full-length mRNA does not influence the extent of capping. In addition, the process requires the use of only one enzyme (RNA polymerase), in a single-step reaction. The use of a chemically synthesized cap analog also increases the flexibility to use alternative nucleotide cap structures that are not well recognized for methylation by the Vaccinia capping enzyme. However, the cap analog is expensive relative to nucleotides and other reaction components, and must be present at a high concentration in the reaction. The present invention provides T7 RNA polymerase variants that are selective for the incorporating of cap analogs over GTP at the initiation of transcription to enable efficient capping using a reduced concentration of cap analog, providing a more cost-effective and scalable production process for capped RNA.

In some embodiments of the invention, inorganic pyrophosphatase is present during the in vitro transcription reaction to degrade pyrophosphate, a product inhibitor of transcription by RNA polymerase, into orthophosphate.

Abbreviations and Definitions

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures of cell culture, molecular genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry and nucleic acid chemistry described below are those well-known and commonly employed in the art. Such techniques are well-known and described in numerous texts and reference works well known to those of skill in the art. Standard techniques, or modifications thereof, are used for chemical syntheses and chemical analyses. All patents, patent applications, articles and publications mentioned herein, both supra and infra, are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Although any suitable methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein find use in the practice of the present invention, some methods and materials are described herein. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents described, as these may vary, depending upon the context they are used by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the terms defined immediately below are more fully described by reference to the application as a whole. All patents, patent applications, articles and publications mentioned herein, both supra and infra, are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Also, as used herein, the singular “a”, “an,” and “the” include the plural references, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. Thus, every numerical range disclosed herein is intended to encompass every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein. It is also intended that every maximum (or minimum) numerical limitation disclosed herein includes every lower (or higher) numerical limitation, as if such lower (or higher) numerical limitations were expressly written herein.

The term “about” means an acceptable error for a particular value. In some instances “about” means within 0.05%, 0.5%, 1.0%, or 2.0%, of a given value range. In some instances, “about” means within 1, 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations of a given value.

Furthermore, the headings provided herein are not limitations of the various aspects or embodiments of the invention which can be had by reference to the application as a whole.

Accordingly, the terms defined immediately below are more fully defined by reference to the application as a whole. Nonetheless, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, a number of terms are defined below.

Unless otherwise indicated, nucleic acids are written left to right in 5′ to 3′ orientation; amino acid sequences are written left to right in amino to carboxy orientation, respectively.

As used herein, the term “comprising” and its cognates are used in their inclusive sense (i.e., equivalent to the term “including” and its corresponding cognates).

“EC” number refers to the Enzyme Nomenclature of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NC-IUBMB). The IUBMB biochemical classification is a numerical classification system for enzymes based on the chemical reactions they catalyze.

“ATCC” refers to the American Type Culture Collection whose biorepository collection includes genes and strains.

“NCBI” refers to National Center for Biological Information and the sequence databases provided therein.

As used herein, “T7 RNA polymerase” refers to a monomeric T7 bacteriophage-encoded DNA directed RNA polymerase that catalyzes the formation of RNA in the 5′ to 3′ direction.

As used herein, the term “cap” refers to the guanine nucleoside that is joined via its 5′ carbon to a triphosphate group that is, in turn, joined to the 5′ carbon of the most 5′ nucleotide of an mRNA transcript. In some embodiments, the nitrogen at the 7 position of guanine in the cap is methylated.

As used herein, the terms “capped RNA,” “5′ capped RNA,” and “capped mRNA” refer to RNA and mRNA, respectively that comprise the cap.

As used herein, “polynucleotide” and “nucleic acid’ refer to two or more nucleosides that are covalently linked together. The polynucleotide may be wholly comprised of ribonucleotides (i.e., RNA), wholly comprised of 2′ deoxyribonucleotides (i.e., DNA), or comprised of mixtures of ribo- and 2′ deoxyribonucleotides. While the nucleosides will typically be linked together via standard phosphodiester linkages, the polynucleotides may include one or more non-standard linkages. The polynucleotide may be single-stranded or double-stranded, or may include both single-stranded regions and double-stranded regions. Moreover, while a polynucleotide will typically be composed of the naturally occurring encoding nucleobases (i.e., adenine, guanine, uracil, thymine and cytosine), it may include one or more modified and/or synthetic nucleobases, such as, for example, inosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, etc. In some embodiments, such modified or synthetic nucleobases are nucleobases encoding amino acid sequences.

“Protein,” “polypeptide,” and “peptide” are used interchangeably herein to denote a polymer of at least two amino acids covalently linked by an amide bond, regardless of length or post-translational modification (e.g., glycosylation or phosphorylation).

“Amino acids” are referred to herein by either their commonly known three-letter symbols or by the one-letter symbols recommended by IUPAC-IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission. Nucleotides, likewise, may be referred to by their commonly accepted single letter codes.

The abbreviations used for the genetically encoded amino acids are conventional and are as follows: alanine (Ala or A), arginine (Are or R), asparagine (Asn or N), aspartate (Asp or D), cysteine (Cys or C), glutamate (Glu or E), glutamine (Gln or Q), histidine (His or H), isoleucine (Ile or I), leucine (Leu or L), lysine (Lys or K), methionine (Met or M), phenylalanine (Phe or F), proline (Pro or P), serine (Ser or S), threonine (Thr or T), tryptophan (Trp or W), tyrosine (Tyr or Y), and valine (Val or V).

When the three-letter abbreviations are used, unless specifically preceded by an “L” or a “D” or clear from the context in which the abbreviation is used, the amino acid may be in either the L- or D-configuration about α-carbon (C_(α)). For example, whereas “Ala” designates alanine without specifying the configuration about the α-carbon, “D-Ala” and “L-Ala” designate D-alanine and L-alanine, respectively. When the one-letter abbreviations are used, upper case letters designate amino acids in the L-configuration about the α-carbon and lower case letters designate amino acids in the D-configuration about the α-carbon. For example, “A” designates L-alanine and “a” designates D-alanine. When polypeptide sequences are presented as a string of one-letter or three-letter abbreviations (or mixtures thereof), the sequences are presented in the amino (N) to carboxy (C) direction in accordance with common convention.

The abbreviations used for the genetically encoding nucleosides are conventional and are as follows: adenosine (A); guanosine (G); cytidine (C); thymidine (T); and uridine (U). Unless specifically delineated, the abbreviated nucleosides may be either ribonucleosides or 2′-deoxyribonucleosides. The nucleosides may be specified as being either ribonucleosides or 2′-deoxyribonucleosides on an individual basis or on an aggregate basis. When nucleic acid sequences are presented as a string of one-letter abbreviations, the sequences are presented in the 5′ to 3′ direction in accordance with common convention, and the phosphates are not indicated.

The term “engineered”, “recombinant”, “non-naturally occurring”, and “variant,” when used with reference to a cell, a polynucleotide or a polypeptide refers to a material or a material corresponding to the natural or native form of the material that has been modified in a manner that would not otherwise exist in nature or is identical thereto but produced or derived from synthetic materials and/or by manipulation using recombinant techniques.

As used herein, “wild-type” and “naturally-occurring” refer to the form found in nature. For example a wild-type polypeptide or polynucleotide sequence is a sequence present in an organism that can be isolated from a source in nature and which has not been intentionally modified by human manipulation.

“Coding sequence” refers to that part of a nucleic acid (e.g., a gene) that encodes an amino acid sequence of a protein.

The term “percent (%) sequence identity” is used herein to refer to comparisons among polynucleotides and polypeptides, and are determined by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over a comparison window, wherein the portion of the polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e., gaps) as compared to the reference sequence for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The percentage may be calculated by determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base or amino acid residue occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. Alternatively, the percentage may be calculated by determining the number of positions at which either the identical nucleic acid base or amino acid residue occurs in both sequences or a nucleic acid base or amino acid residue is aligned with a gap to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. Those of skill in the art appreciate that there are many established algorithms available to align two sequences. Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison can be conducted, e.g., by the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman (Smith and Waterman, Adv. Appl. Math., 2:482 [1981]), by the homology alignment algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (Needleman and Wunsch, J. Mol. Biol., 48:443 [1970), by the search for similarity method of Pearson and Lipman (Pearson and Lipman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:2444 [1988]), by computerized implementations of these algorithms (e.g., GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the GCG Wisconsin Software Package), or by visual inspection, as known in the art. Examples of algorithms that are suitable for determining percent sequence identity and sequence similarity include, but are not limited to the BLAST and BLAST 2.0 algorithms, which are described by Altschul et al. (See, Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol., 215: 403-410 [1990]; and Altschul et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 25:3389-3402 [1977], respectively). Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information website. This algorithm involves first identifying high scoring sequence pairs (HSPs) by identifying short words of length W in the query sequence, which either match or satisfy some positive-valued threshold score T when aligned with a word of the same length in a database sequence. T is referred to as, the neighborhood word score threshold (See, Altschul et al., supra). These initial neighborhood word hits act as seeds for initiating searches to find longer HSPs containing them. The word hits are then extended in both directions along each sequence for as far as the cumulative alignment score can be increased. Cumulative scores are calculated using, for nucleotide sequences, the parameters M (reward score for a pair of matching residues; always >0) and N (penalty score for mismatching residues; always <0). For amino acid sequences, a scoring matrix is used to calculate the cumulative score. Extension of the word hits in each direction are halted when: the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from its maximum achieved value; the cumulative score goes to zero or below, due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments; or the end of either sequence is reached. The BLAST algorithm parameters W, T, and X determine the sensitivity and speed of the alignment. The BLASTN program (for nucleotide sequences) uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 11, an expectation (E) of 10, M=5, N=−4, and a comparison of both strands. For amino acid sequences, the BLASTP program uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 3, an expectation (E) of 10, and the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (See, Henikoff and Henikoff, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915 [1989]). Exemplary determination of sequence alignment and % sequence identity can employ the BESTFIT or GAP programs in the GCG Wisconsin Software package (Accelrys, Madison Wis.), using default parameters provided.

“Reference sequence” refers to a defined sequence used as a basis for a sequence comparison. A reference sequence may be a subset of a larger sequence, for example, a segment of a full-length gene or polypeptide sequence. Generally, a reference sequence is at least 20 nucleotide or amino acid residues in length, at least 25 residues in length, at least 50 residues in length, at least 100 residues in length or the full length of the nucleic acid or polypeptide. Since two polynucleotides or polypeptides may each (1) comprise a sequence (i.e., a portion of the complete sequence) that is similar between the two sequences, and (2) may further comprise a sequence that is divergent between the two sequences, sequence comparisons between two (or more) polynucleotides or polypeptide are typically performed by comparing sequences of the two polynucleotides or polypeptides over a “comparison window” to identify and compare local regions of sequence similarity. In some embodiments, a “reference sequence” can be based on a primary amino acid sequence, where the reference sequence is a sequence that can have one or more changes in the primary sequence.

“Comparison window” refers to a conceptual segment of at least about 20 contiguous nucleotide positions or amino acids residues wherein a sequence may be compared to a reference sequence of at least 20 contiguous nucleotides or amino acids and wherein the portion of the sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions or deletions (i.e., gaps) of 20 percent or less as compared to the reference sequence (which does not comprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the two sequences. The comparison window can be longer than 20 contiguous residues, and includes, optionally 30, 40, 50, 100, or longer windows.

“Corresponding to”, “reference to” or “relative to” when used in the context of the numbering of a given amino acid or polynucleotide sequence refers to the numbering of the residues of a specified reference sequence when the given amino acid or polynucleotide sequence is compared to the reference sequence. In other words, the residue number or residue position of a given polymer is designated with respect to the reference sequence rather than by the actual numerical position of the residue within the given amino acid or polynucleotide sequence. For example, a given amino acid sequence, such as that of an engineered T7 RNA polymerase, can be aligned to a reference sequence by introducing gaps to optimize residue matches between the two sequences. In these cases, although the gaps are present, the numbering of the residue in the given amino acid or polynucleotide sequence is made with respect to the reference sequence to which it has been aligned.

“Amino acid difference” or “residue difference” refers to a difference in the amino acid residue at a position of a polypeptide sequence relative to the amino acid residue at a corresponding position in a reference sequence. The positions of amino acid differences generally are referred to herein as “Xn,” where n refers to the corresponding position in the reference sequence upon which the residue difference is based. For example, a “residue difference at position X93 as compared to SEQ ID NO:2” refers to a difference of the amino acid residue at the polypeptide position corresponding to position 93 of SEQ ID NO:2. Thus, if the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2 has a serine at position 93, then a “residue difference at position X93 as compared to SEQ ID NO:2” an amino acid substitution of any residue other than serine at the position of the polypeptide corresponding to position 93 of SEQ ID NO:2. In most instances herein, the specific amino acid residue difference at a position is indicated as “XnY” where “Xn” specified the corresponding position as described above, and “Y” is the single letter identifier of the amino acid found in the engineered polypeptide (i.e., the different residue than in the reference polypeptide). In some instances (e.g., in the Tables provided in the Examples herein), the present disclosure also provides specific amino acid differences denoted by the conventional notation “AnB”, where A is the single letter identifier of the residue in the reference sequence, “n” is the number of the residue position in the reference sequence, and B is the single letter identifier of the residue substitution in the sequence of the engineered polypeptide. In some instances, a polypeptide of the present disclosure can include one or more amino acid residue differences relative to a reference sequence, which is indicated by a list of the specified positions where residue differences are present relative to the reference sequence. In some embodiments, where more than one amino acid can be used in a specific residue position of a polypeptide, the various amino acid residues that can be used are separated by a “/” (e.g., X10H/X10P or X10H/P). In some embodiments, the enzyme variants comprise more than one substitution. These substitutions are separated by a slash for ease in reading (e.g., C14A/K122A). The present application includes engineered polypeptide sequences comprising one or more amino acid differences that include either/or both conservative and non-conservative amino acid substitutions.

“Conservative amino acid substitution” refers to a substitution of a residue with a different residue having a similar side chain, and thus typically involves substitution of the amino acid in the polypeptide with amino acids within the same or similar defined class of amino acids. By way of example and not limitation, an amino acid with an aliphatic side chain may be substituted with another aliphatic amino acid (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine); an amino acid with hydroxyl side chain is substituted with another amino acid with a hydroxyl side chain (e.g., serine and threonine); an amino acids having aromatic side chains is substituted with another amino acid having an aromatic side chain (e.g., phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, and histidine); an amino acid with a basic side chain is substituted with another amino acid with a basis side chain (e.g., lysine and arginine); an amino acid with an acidic side chain is substituted with another amino acid with an acidic side chain (e.g., aspartic acid or glutamic acid); and/or a hydrophobic or hydrophilic amino acid is replaced with another hydrophobic or hydrophilic amino acid, respectively.

“Non-conservative substitution” refers to substitution of an amino acid in the polypeptide with an amino acid with significantly differing side chain properties. Non-conservative substitutions may use amino acids between, rather than within, the defined groups and affects (a) the structure of the peptide backbone in the area of the substitution (e.g., proline for glycine) (b) the charge or hydrophobicity, or (c) the bulk of the side chain. By way of example and not limitation, an exemplary non-conservative substitution can be an acidic amino acid substituted with a basic or aliphatic amino acid; an aromatic amino acid substituted with a small amino acid; and a hydrophilic amino acid substituted with a hydrophobic amino acid.

“Deletion” refers to modification to the polypeptide by removal of one or more amino acids from the reference polypeptide. Deletions can comprise removal of 1 or more amino acids, 2 or more amino acids, 5 or more amino acids, 10 or more amino acids, 15 or more amino acids, or 20 or more amino acids, up to 10% of the total number of amino acids, or up to 20% of the total number of amino acids making up the reference enzyme while retaining enzymatic activity and/or retaining the improved properties of an engineered enzyme. Deletions can be directed to the internal portions and/or terminal portions of the polypeptide. In various embodiments, the deletion can comprise a continuous segment or can be discontinuous.

“Insertion” refers to modification to the polypeptide by addition of one or more amino acids from the reference polypeptide. Insertions can be in the internal portions of the polypeptide, or to the carboxy or amino terminus. Insertions as used herein include fusion proteins as is known in the art. The insertion can be a contiguous segment of amino acids or separated by one or more of the amino acids in the naturally occurring polypeptide.

“Isolated polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide which is substantially separated from other contaminants that naturally accompany it (e.g., protein, lipids, and polynucleotides). The term embraces polypeptides which have been removed or purified from their naturally-occurring environment or expression system (e.g., host cell or in vitro synthesis). The recombinant T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides may be present within a cell, present in the cellular medium, or prepared in various forms, such as lysates or isolated preparations. As such, in some embodiments, the recombinant T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides can be an isolated polypeptide.

“Substantially pure polypeptide” refers to a composition in which the polypeptide species is the predominant species present (i.e., on a molar or weight basis it is more abundant than any other individual macromolecular species in the composition), and is generally a substantially purified composition when the object species comprises at least about 50 percent of the macromolecular species present by mole or % weight. Generally, a substantially pure T7 RNA polymerase composition comprises about 60% or more, about 70% or more, about 80% or more, about 90% or more, about 95% or more, and about 98% or more of all macromolecular species by mole or % weight present in the composition. In some embodiments, the object species is purified to essential homogeneity (i.e., contaminant species cannot be detected in the composition by conventional detection methods) wherein the composition consists essentially of a single macromolecular species. Solvent species, small molecules (<500 Daltons), and elemental ion species are not considered macromolecular species. In some embodiments, the isolated recombinant T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides are substantially pure polypeptide compositions.

“Improved enzyme property” of a T7 RNA polymerase refers to an engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide that exhibits an improvement in any enzyme property as compared to a reference T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide and/or a wild-type T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide and/or another engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide. Improved properties include, but are not limited to such properties as increased selectivity for cap analog over GTP, increased fidelity of replication, increased RNA yield, increased protein expression, increased thermoactivity, increased thermostability, increased pH activity, increased stability, increased enzymatic activity, increased substrate specificity or affinity, increased specific activity, increased resistance to substrate or end-product inhibition (including pyrophosphate), increased chemical stability, improved solvent stability, increased tolerance to acidic or basic pH, increased tolerance to proteolytic activity (i.e., reduced sensitivity to proteolysis), reduced aggregation, increased solubility, and altered temperature profile.

“Increased enzymatic activity” or “enhanced catalytic activity” refers to an improved property of the engineered T7 RNA polymerase, which can be represented by an increase in specific activity (e.g., product produced/time/weight protein) or an increase in percent conversion of the substrate to the product (e.g., percent conversion of starting amount of substrate to product in a specified time period using a specified amount of variant T7 RNA polymerase as compared to the reference T7 RNA polymerase. Exemplary methods to determine enzyme activity are provided in the Examples. Any property relating to enzyme activity may be affected.

“Hybridization stringency” relates to hybridization conditions, such as washing conditions, in the hybridization of nucleic acids. Generally, hybridization reactions are performed under conditions of lower stringency, followed by washes of varying but higher stringency. The term “moderately stringent hybridization” refers to conditions that permit target-DNA to bind a complementary nucleic acid that has about 60% identity, preferably about 75% identity, about 85% identity to the target DNA, with greater than about 90% identity to target-polynucleotide. Exemplary moderately stringent conditions are conditions equivalent to hybridization in 50% formamide, 5× Denhart's solution, 5×SSPE, 0.2% SDS at 42° C., followed by washing in 0.2×SSPE, 0.2% SDS, at 42° C. “High stringency hybridization” refers generally to conditions that are about 10° C. or less from the thermal melting temperature T_(m) as determined under the solution condition for a defined polynucleotide sequence. In some embodiments, a high stringency condition refers to conditions that permit hybridization of only those nucleic acid sequences that form stable hybrids in 0.018M NaCl at 65° C. (i.e., if a hybrid is not stable in 0.018M NaCl at 65° C., it will not be stable under high stringency conditions, as contemplated herein). High stringency conditions can be provided, for example, by hybridization in conditions equivalent to 50% formamide, 5×Denhardt's solution, 5×SSPE, 0.2% SDS at 42° C., followed by washing in 0.1×SSPE, and 0.1% SDS at 65° C. Another high stringency condition is hybridizing in conditions equivalent to hybridizing in 5×SSC containing 0.1% (w:v) SDS at 65° C. and washing in 0.1×SSC containing 0.1% SDS at 65° C. Other high stringency hybridization conditions, as well as moderately stringent conditions, are described in the references cited above.

“Codon optimized” refers to changes in the codons of the polynucleotide encoding a protein to those preferentially used in a particular organism such that the encoded protein is more efficiently expressed in the organism of interest. Although the genetic code is degenerate in that most amino acids are represented by several codons, called “synonyms” or “synonymous” codons, it is well known that codon usage by particular organisms is nonrandom and biased towards particular codon triplets. This codon usage bias may be higher in reference to a given gene, genes of common function or ancestral origin, highly expressed proteins versus low copy number proteins, and the aggregate protein coding regions of an organism's genome. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides encoding the T7 RNA polymerase enzymes may be codon optimized for optimal production from the host organism selected for expression.

“Control sequence” refers herein to include all components, which are necessary or advantageous for the expression of a polynucleotide and/or polypeptide of the present application. Each control sequence may be native or foreign to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide. Such control sequences include, but are not limited to, a leader, polyadenylation sequence, propeptide sequence, promoter sequence, signal peptide sequence, initiation sequence and transcription terminator. At a minimum, the control sequences include a promoter, and transcriptional and translational stop signals. The control sequences may be provided with linkers for the purpose of introducing specific restriction sites facilitating ligation of the control sequences with the coding region of the nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide.

“Operably linked” is defined herein as a configuration in which a control sequence is appropriately placed (i.e., in a functional relationship) at a position relative to a polynucleotide of interest such that the control sequence directs or regulates the expression of the polynucleotide and/or polypeptide of interest.

“Promoter sequence” refers to a nucleic acid sequence that is recognized by a host cell for expression of a polynucleotide of interest, such as a coding sequence. The promoter sequence contains transcriptional control sequences, which mediate the expression of a polynucleotide of interest. The promoter may be any nucleic acid sequence which shows transcriptional activity in the host cell of choice including mutant, truncated, and hybrid promoters, and may be obtained from genes encoding extracellular or intracellular polypeptides either homologous or heterologous to the host cell.

“Suitable reaction conditions” refers to those conditions in the enzymatic conversion reaction solution (e.g., ranges of enzyme loading, substrate loading, temperature, pH, buffers, co-solvents, etc.) under which a T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide of the present application is capable of converting a substrate to the desired product compound.

“Substrate” in the context of an enzymatic conversion reaction process refers to the compound or molecule acted on by the T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide.

“Product” in the context of an enzymatic conversion process refers to the compound or molecule resulting from the action of the T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide on a substrate.

As used herein the term “culturing” refers to the growing of a population of microbial cells under any suitable conditions (e.g., using a liquid, gel or solid medium).

Recombinant polypeptides can be produced using any suitable methods known the art. Genes encoding the wild-type polypeptide of interest can be cloned in vectors, such as plasmids, and expressed in desired hosts, such as E. coli, S. cerevisiae, etc. Variants of recombinant polypeptides can be generated by various methods known in the art. Indeed, there is a wide variety of different mutagenesis techniques well known to those skilled in the art. In addition, mutagenesis kits are also available from many commercial molecular biology suppliers. Methods are available to make specific substitutions at defined amino acids (site-directed), specific or random mutations in a localized region of the gene (regio-specific), or random mutagenesis over the entire gene (e.g., saturation mutagenesis). Numerous suitable methods are known to those in the art to generate enzyme variants, including but not limited to site-directed mutagenesis of single-stranded DNA or double-stranded DNA using PCR, cassette mutagenesis, gene synthesis, error-prone PCR, shuffling, and chemical saturation mutagenesis, or any other suitable method known in the art. Non-limiting examples of methods used for DNA and protein engineering are provided in the following patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,117,679; 6,420,175; 6,376,246; 6,586,182; 7,747,391; 7,747,393; 7,783,428; and 8,383,346. After the variants are produced, they can be screened for any desired property (e.g., high or increased activity, or low or reduced activity, increased thermal activity, increased thermal stability, and/or acidic pH stability, etc.).

In some embodiments, “recombinant T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides” (also referred to herein as “engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides,” “variant T7 RNA polymerase enzymes,” and “T7 RNA polymerase variants”) find use.

As used herein, a “vector” is a DNA construct for introducing a DNA sequence into a cell. In some embodiments, the vector is an expression vector that is operably linked to a suitable control sequence capable of effecting the expression in a suitable host of the polypeptide encoded in the DNA sequence. In some embodiments, an “expression vector” has a promoter sequence operably linked to the DNA sequence (e.g., transgene) to drive expression in a host cell, and in some embodiments, also comprises a transcription terminator sequence.

As used herein, the term “expression” includes any step involved in the production of the polypeptide including, but not limited to, transcription, post-transcriptional modification, translation, and post-translational modification. In some embodiments, the term also encompasses secretion of the polypeptide from a cell.

As used herein, the term “produces” refers to the production of proteins and/or other compounds by cells. It is intended that the term encompass any step involved in the production of polypeptides including, but not limited to, transcription, post-transcriptional modification, translation, and post-translational modification. In some embodiments, the term also encompasses secretion of the polypeptide from a cell.

As used herein, an amino acid or nucleotide sequence (e.g., a promoter sequence, signal peptide, terminator sequence, etc.) is “heterologous” to another sequence with which it is operably linked if the two sequences are not associated in nature.

As used herein, the terms “host cell” and “host strain” refer to suitable hosts for expression vectors comprising DNA provided herein (e.g., the polynucleotides encoding the T7 RNA polymerase variants). In some embodiments, the host cells are prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells that have been transformed or transfected with vectors constructed using recombinant DNA techniques as known in the art.

The term “analogue” when used in reference to a polypeptide, means a polypeptide having more than 70% sequence identity but less than 100% sequence identity (e.g., more than 75%, 78%, 80%, 83%, 85%, 88%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% sequence identity) with a reference polypeptide. In some embodiments, analogues means polypeptides that contain one or more non-naturally occurring amino acid residues including, but not limited, to homoarginine, ornithine and norvaline, as well as naturally occurring amino acids. In some embodiments, analogues also include one or more D-amino acid residues and non-peptide linkages between two or more amino acid residues.

The term “effective amount” means an amount sufficient to produce the desired result. One of general skill in the art may determine what the effective amount by using routine experimentation.

The terms “isolated” and “purified” are used to refer to a molecule (e.g., an isolated nucleic acid, polypeptide, etc.) or other component that is removed from at least one other component with which it is naturally associated. The term “purified” does not require absolute purity, rather it is intended as a relative definition.

As used herein, “composition” and “formulation” encompass products comprising at least one engineered T7 RNA polymerase of the present invention, intended for any suitable use (e.g., research, diagnostics, etc.).

The term “transcription” is used to refer to the process whereby a portion of a DNA template is copied into RNA by the action of an RNA polymerase enzyme.

The term “DNA template” is used to refer to a double or single-stranded DNA molecule including a promoter sequence and a sequence coding for the RNA product of transcription.

The term “promoter” is used to refer to a DNA sequence that is recognized by RNA polymerase as the start site of transcription. The promoter recruits RNA polymerase, and in the case of T7RNA polymerase, determines the start site of transcription.

The term “RNA polymerase” is used to refer to a DNA-directed RNA polymerase, which copies a DNA template into an RNA polynucleotide, by incorporating nucleotide triphosphates stepwise into the growing RNA polymer

The terms “messenger RNA” and “mRNA” are used to refer to RNA molecules that code for a protein. This protein is decoded through the action of translation.

The terms “7-methylguanosine cap,” “7meG,” “five-prime cap,” and “5′cap” are used in reference to a specific modified nucleotide structure present at the 5′ end of eukaryotic mRNAs. The 7-methylguanosine cap structure is attached through a 5′ to 5′ triphosphate linkage to the first nucleotide in the mRNA. In vivo, this cap structure is added to the 5′ end of a nascent mRNA through the successive activities of multiple enzymes. In vitro, the cap can be incorporated directly at the initiation of transcription by an RNA polymerase by use of a cap analog.

The term “Cap analog” refers to a dinucleotide containing a 5′-5′ di-, tri-, or tetra-phosphate linkage. One end of the dinucleotide terminates in a either a guanosine or substituted guanosine residue; it is this end from which RNA polymerase will initiate transcription by extending from the 3′ hydroxyl. The other end of the dinucleotide is a guanosine that mimics the eukaryotic cap structure, and will typically have 7-methyl-, 7-benzyl-, or 7-ethyl-substitutions and/or 7-aminomethyl or 7-aminoethyl substitutions. In some cases, this nucleotide also is methoxy substituted at the 3′ hydroxyl group to prevent initiation of transcription from the cap end of the molecule.

The terms “ARCA” and “anti-reverse cap analog” refer to chemically modified forms of cap analogs, designed to maximize the efficient of in vitro translation by ensuring that the cap analog is properly incorporated into the transcript in the correct orientation. These analogs find use in enhancing translation. In some embodiments, the ARCAs known in the art find use (e.g., Peng et al., Org. Lett., 4:161-164 [2002]).

The term “riboswitch” is used to refer to an autocatalytic RNA enzyme that cleaves itself or another RNA in the presence of a ligand.

The term “fidelity” is used to refer to the accuracy of an RNA polymerase in transcribing, or copying, a DNA template into an RNA polynucleotide. Inaccurate transcription can result in single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or Indels.

The terms “single-nucleotide polymorphism” or “SNP” refer to a change in the nucleotide present at a single position in polynucleotide. In the context of transcription, SNPs can result from misincorporation of a non-complementary ribonucleotide (A, C, G, or U) by RNA polymerase at a position on the DNA template.

The term “Indel” is used to refer to an insertion or deletion of one or more polynucleotides. In the context of transcription by RNA polymerase, indel errors can result from the addition of a one or more extra ribonucleotides or failure to incorporate one or more nucleotides at a position on the DNA template.

The term “selectivity” is used to refer to the trait of an enzyme to have higher activity against one substrate as compared to another substrate during a catalyzed reaction. In the context of co-transcriptional capping, the RNA polymerase may have high or low selectivity for a cap analog over GTP.

The term “inorganic pyrophosphatase” is used to refer to an enzyme that degrades inorganic pyrophosphate to orthophosphate.

Engineered T7 RNA Polymerase Activity:

In some embodiments, the engineered T7 RNA polymerase that exhibits an improved property has at least about 85%, at least about 88%, at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or at about 100% amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 4 and/or 15, and an amino acid residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 4 and/or 15, at one or more amino acid positions (such as at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 20 or more amino acid positions compared to SEQ ID NO: 4 and/or 15, or a sequence having at least 85%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or greater amino acid sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 4 and/or 15). In some embodiment the residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO:4, at one or more positions will include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more conservative amino acid substitutions. In some embodiments, the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide is a polypeptide listed in Table 5.3, 5.5, and/or 5.6. In some embodiments, the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide is selected from SEQ ID NOS: 4, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 35, 37, and/or 39. In some embodiment the residue difference as compared to SEQ ID NO: 15, at one or more positions will include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more conservative amino acid substitutions. In some embodiments, the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide is a polypeptide listed in Table 5.4. In some embodiments, the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide is selected from SEQ ID NOS:4, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 35, 37, and/or 39.

In some embodiments, the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide comprises a functional fragment of an engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide encompassed by the invention. Functional fragments have at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the activity of the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide from which is was derived (i.e., the parent engineered T7 RNA polymerase). A functional fragment comprises at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% and even 99% of the parent sequence of the engineered T7 RNA polymerase. In some embodiments the functional fragment is truncated by less than 5, less than 10, less than 15, less than 10, less than 25, less than 30, less than 35, less than 40, less than 45, and less than 50 amino acids.

Polynucleotides Encoding Engineered Polypeptides, Expression Vectors and Host Cells:

The present invention provides polynucleotides encoding the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides described herein. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides are operatively linked to one or more heterologous regulatory sequences that control gene expression to create a recombinant polynucleotide capable of expressing the polypeptide. Expression constructs containing a heterologous polynucleotide encoding the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides can be introduced into appropriate host cells to express the corresponding T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide.

As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, availability of a protein sequence and the knowledge of the codons corresponding to the various amino acids provide a description of all the polynucleotides capable of encoding the subject polypeptides. The degeneracy of the genetic code, where the same amino acids are encoded by alternative or synonymous codons, allows an extremely large number of nucleic acids to be made, all of which encode the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide. Thus, having knowledge of a particular amino acid sequence, those skilled in the art could make any number of different nucleic acids by simply modifying the sequence of one or more codons in a way which does not change the amino acid sequence of the protein. In this regard, the present invention specifically contemplates each and every possible variation of polynucleotides that could be made encoding the polypeptides described herein by selecting combinations based on the possible codon choices, and all such variations are to be considered specifically disclosed for any polypeptide described herein, including the variants provided in Tables 5.3, 5.4., 5.5, and/or 5.6.

In various embodiments, the codons are preferably selected to fit the host cell in which the protein is being produced. For example, preferred codons used in bacteria are used for expression in bacteria. Consequently, codon optimized polynucleotides encoding the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides contain preferred codons at about 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or greater than 90% of codon positions of the full length coding region.

In some embodiments, as described above, the polynucleotide encodes an engineered polypeptide having T7 RNA polymerase activity with the properties disclosed herein, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more identity to a reference sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 4 and 15, or the amino acid sequence of any variant as disclosed in Tables 5.3, 5.4., 5.5, and/or 5.6, and one or more residue differences as compared to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NOS: 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 35, 37, and/or 39, or the amino acid sequence of any variant as disclosed in Tables 5.3, 5.4., 5.5, and/or 5.6 (for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more amino acid residue positions). In some embodiments, the reference sequence is selected from SEQ ID NO:4 and/or 15. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes an engineered polypeptide having T7 RNA polymerase activity with the properties disclosed herein, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to reference sequence SEQ ID NO:4 and/or 15, and one or more residue differences as compared to SEQ ID NO: 4 and/or 15, at residue positions selected from those provided in Tables 5.3, 5.4., 5.5, and/or 5.6, when optimally aligned with the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4 and/or 15.

In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encoding the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides comprises a polynucleotide sequence selected from a polynucleotide sequence encoding SEQ ID NOS: 4, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 32, 33, 35, 37, and 39. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encoding an engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide has at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 93%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% nucleotide residue identity to SEQ ID NOS: 3, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, and 38. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encoding the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides comprises a polynucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 3, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, and 38.

In some embodiments, the polynucleotides are capable of hybridizing under highly stringent conditions to a reference polynucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 3 and/or 14, or a complement thereof, or a polynucleotide sequence encoding any of the variant T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides provided herein. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide capable of hybridizing under highly stringent conditions encodes a T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that has one or more residue differences as compared to SEQ ID NO:4 and/or 15, at residue positions selected from any positions as set forth in Tables 5.3, 5.4., 5.5, and/or 5.6.

In some embodiments, an isolated polynucleotide encoding any of the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides provided herein is manipulated in a variety of ways to provide for expression of the polypeptide. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides are provided as expression vectors where one or more control sequences is present to regulate the expression of the polynucleotides and/or polypeptides. Manipulation of the isolated polynucleotide prior to its insertion into a vector may be desirable or necessary depending on the expression vector. The techniques for modifying polynucleotides and nucleic acid sequences utilizing recombinant DNA methods are well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the control sequences include among other sequences, promoters, leader sequences, polyadenylation sequences, propeptide sequences, signal peptide sequences, and transcription terminators. As known in the art, suitable promoters can be selected based on the host cells used. Exemplary promoters for filamentous fungal host cells, include promoters obtained from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase, Aspergillus niger neutral alpha-amylase, Aspergillus niger acid stable alpha-amylase, Aspergillus niger or Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase (glaA), Rhizomucor miehei lipase, Aspergillus oryzae alkaline protease, Aspergillus oryzae triose phosphate isomerase, Aspergillus nidulans acetamidase, and Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease (See e.g., WO 96/00787), as well as the NA2-tpi promoter (a hybrid of the promoters from the genes for Aspergillus niger neutral alpha-amylase and Aspergillus oryzae triose phosphate isomerase), and mutant, truncated, and hybrid promoters thereof. Exemplary yeast cell promoters can be from the genes can be from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase (ENO-1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae galactokinase (GAL1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase/glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (ADH2/GAP), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3-phosphoglycerate kinase. Other useful promoters for yeast host cells are known in the art (See e.g., Romanos et al., Yeast 8:423-488 [1992]). Exemplary promoters for use in mammalian cells include, but are not limited to those from cytomegalovirus (CMV), Simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40), from Homo sapiens phosphoglycerate kinase, beta actin, elongation factor-1a or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, or from Gallus gallus β-actin.

In some embodiments, the control sequence is a suitable transcription terminator sequence, a sequence recognized by a host cell to terminate transcription. The terminator sequence is operably linked to the 3′ terminus of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide. Any terminator which is functional in the host cell of choice finds use in the present invention. For example, exemplary transcription terminators for filamentous fungal host cells can be obtained from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Aspergillus nidulans anthranilate synthase, Aspergillus niger alpha-glucosidase, and Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease. Exemplary terminators for yeast host cells can be obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytochrome C (CYC1), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Other useful terminators for yeast host cells are known in the art (See e.g., Romanos et al., supra). Exemplary terminators for mammalian cells include, but are not limited to those from cytomegalovirus (CMV), Simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40), or from Homo sapiens growth hormone.

In some embodiments, the control sequence is a suitable leader sequence, a non-translated region of an mRNA that is important for translation by the host cell. The leader sequence is operably linked to the 5′ terminus of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide. Any leader sequence that is functional in the host cell of choice may be used. Exemplary leaders for filamentous fungal host cells are obtained from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase and Aspergillus nidulans triose phosphate isomerase. Suitable leaders for yeast host cells include, but are not limited to those obtained from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase (ENO-1), Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol dehydrogenase/glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (ADH2/GAP).

The control sequence may also be a polyadenylation sequence, a sequence operably linked to the 3′ terminus of the nucleic acid sequence and which, when transcribed, is recognized by the host cell as a signal to add polyadenosine residues to transcribed mRNA. Any polyadenylation sequence which is functional in the host cell of choice may be used in the present invention. Exemplary polyadenylation sequences for filamentous fungal host cells include, but are not limited to those from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Aspergillus nidulans anthranilate synthase, Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like protease, and Aspergillus niger alpha-glucosidase. Useful polyadenylation sequences for yeast host cells are also known in the art (See e.g., Guo and Sherman, Mol. Cell. Bio., 15:5983-5990 [1995]).

In some embodiments, the control sequence is a signal peptide coding region that codes for an amino acid sequence linked to the amino terminus of a polypeptide and directs the encoded polypeptide into the cell's secretory pathway. The 5′ end of the coding sequence of the nucleic acid sequence may inherently contain a signal peptide coding region naturally linked in translation reading frame with the segment of the coding region that encodes the secreted polypeptide. Alternatively, the 5′ end of the coding sequence may contain a signal peptide coding region that is foreign to the coding sequence. Any signal peptide coding region that directs the expressed polypeptide into the secretory pathway of a host cell of choice finds use for expression of the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides provided herein. Effective signal peptide coding regions for filamentous fungal host cells include, but are not limited to the signal peptide coding regions obtained from the genes for Aspergillus oryzae TAKA amylase, Aspergillus niger neutral amylase, Aspergillus niger glucoamylase, Rhizomucor miehei aspartic proteinase, Humicola insolens cellulase, and Humicola lanuginosa lipase. Useful signal peptides for yeast host cells include, but are not limited to those from the genes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-factor and Saccharomyces cerevisiae invertase. Useful signal peptides for mammalian host cells include but are not limited to those from the genes for immunoglobulin gamma (IgG).

In some embodiments, the control sequence is a propeptide coding region that codes for an amino acid sequence positioned at the amino terminus of a polypeptide. The resultant polypeptide is referred to as a “proenzyme,” “propolypeptide,” or “zymogen,” in some cases). A propolypeptide can be converted to a mature active polypeptide by catalytic or autocatalytic cleavage of the propeptide from the propolypeptide.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides a recombinant expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding an engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide, and one or more expression regulating regions such as a promoter and a terminator, a replication origin, etc., depending on the type of hosts into which they are to be introduced. in some embodiments, the various nucleic acid and control sequences described above are joined together to produce a recombinant expression vector which includes one or more convenient restriction sites to allow for insertion or substitution of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the variant T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide at such sites. Alternatively, the polynucleotide sequence(s) of the present invention are expressed by inserting the polynucleotide sequence or a nucleic acid construct comprising the polynucleotide sequence into an appropriate vector for expression. In creating the expression vector, the coding sequence is located in the vector so that the coding sequence is operably linked with the appropriate control sequences for expression.

The recombinant expression vector may be any vector (e.g., a plasmid or virus), that can be conveniently subjected to recombinant DNA procedures and can result in the expression of the variant T7 RNA polymerase polynucleotide sequence. The choice of the vector will typically depend on the compatibility of the vector with the host cell into which the vector is to be introduced. The vectors may be linear or closed circular plasmids.

In some embodiments, the expression vector is an autonomously replicating vector (i.e., a vector that exists as an extra-chromosomal entity, the replication of which is independent of chromosomal replication, such as a plasmid, an extra-chromosomal element, a minichromosome, or an artificial chromosome). The vector may contain any means for assuring self-replication. In some alternative embodiments, the vector may be one which, when introduced into the host cell, is integrated into the genome and replicated together with the chromosome(s) into which it has been integrated. Furthermore, a single vector or plasmid or two or more vectors or plasmids which together contain the total DNA to be introduced into the genome of the host cell, or a transposon may be used.

In some embodiments, the expression vector preferably contains one or more selectable markers, which permit easy selection of transformed cells. A “selectable marker” is a gene the product of which provides for biocide or viral resistance, resistance to heavy metals, prototrophy to auxotrophs, and the like. Suitable markers for yeast host cells include, but are not limited to ADE2, HIS3, LEU2, LYS2, MET3, TRP1, and URA3. Selectable markers for use in a filamentous fungal host cell include, but are not limited to, amdS (acetamidase), argB (ornithine carbamoyltransferases), bar (phosphinothricin acetyltransferase), hph (hygromycin phosphotransferase), niaD (nitrate reductase), pyrG (orotidine-5′-phosphate decarboxylase), sC (sulfate adenyltransferase), and trpC (anthranilate synthase), as well as equivalents thereof. In another aspect, the present invention provides a host cell comprising a polynucleotide encoding at least one engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide of the present application, the polynucleotide being operatively linked to one or more control sequences for expression of the engineered T7 RNA polymerase enzyme(s) in the host cell. Host cells for use in expressing the polypeptides encoded by the expression vectors of the present invention are well known in the art and include but are not limited to, fungal cells, such as yeast cells (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris [e.g., ATCC Accession No. 201178]); insect cells (e.g., Drosophila S2 and Spodoptera Sf9 cells), plant cells, animal cells (e.g., CHO, COS, and BHK), and human cells (e.g., HEK293T, human fibroblast, THP-1, Jurkat and Bowes melanoma cell lines).

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides methods for producing the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides, where the methods comprise culturing a host cell capable of expressing a polynucleotide encoding the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide under conditions suitable for expression of the polypeptide. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise the steps of isolating and/or purifying the T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides, as described herein.

Appropriate culture media and growth conditions for the above-described host cells are well known in the art. Polynucleotides for expression of the T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides may be introduced into cells by various methods known in the art. Techniques include, among others, electroporation, biolistic particle bombardment, liposome mediated transfection, calcium chloride transfection, and protoplast fusion.

The engineered T7 RNA polymerase with the properties disclosed herein can be obtained by subjecting the polynucleotide encoding the naturally occurring or engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide to mutagenesis and/or directed evolution methods known in the art, and as described herein. An exemplary directed evolution technique is mutagenesis and/or DNA shuffling (See e.g., Stemmer, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:10747-10751 [1994]; WO 95/22625; WO 97/0078; WO 97/35966; WO 98/27230; WO 00/42651; WO 01/75767 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,746). Other directed evolution procedures that can be used include, among others, staggered extension process (StEP), in vitro recombination (See e.g., Zhao et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 16:258-261 [1998]), mutagenic PCR (See e.g., Caldwell et al., PCR Methods Appl., 3:S136-S140 [1994]), and cassette mutagenesis (See e.g., Black et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:3525-3529 [1996]).

For example, mutagenesis and directed evolution methods can be readily applied to polynucleotides to generate variant libraries that can be expressed, screened, and assayed. Mutagenesis and directed evolution methods are well known in the art (See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,605,793, 5,811,238, 5,830,721, 5,834,252, 5,837,458, 5,928,905, 6,096,548, 6,117,679, 6,132,970, 6,165,793, 6,180,406, 6,251,674, 6,277,638, 6,287,861, 6,287,862, 6,291,242, 6,297,053, 6,303,344, 6,309,883, 6,319,713, 6,319,714, 6,323,030, 6,326,204, 6,335,160, 6,335,198, 6,344,356, 6,352,859, 6,355,484, 6,358,740, 6,358,742, 6,365,377, 6,365,408, 6,368,861, 6,372,497, 6,376,246, 6,379,964, 6,387,702, 6,391,552, 6,391,640, 6,395,547, 6,406,855, 6,406,910, 6,413,745, 6,413,774, 6,420,175, 6,423,542, 6,426,224, 6,436,675, 6,444,468, 6,455,253, 6,479,652, 6,482,647, 6,489,146, 6,506,602, 6,506,603, 6,519,065, 6,521,453, 6,528,311, 6,537,746, 6,573,098, 6,576,467, 6,579,678, 6,586,182, 6,602,986, 6,613,514, 6,653,072, 6,716,631, 6,777,218, 6,917,882, 6,946,296, 6,961,664, 6,995,017, 7,024,312, 7,058,515, 7,105,297, 7,148,054, 7,288,375, 7,421,347, 7,430,477, 7,534,564, 7,620,500, 7,620,502, 7,629,170, 7,702,464, 7,747,391, 7,747,393, 7,751,986, 7,776,598, 7,783,428, 7,795,030, 7,853,410, 7,868,138, 7,873,477, 7,873,499, 7,904,249, 7,957,912, 8,014,961, 8,029,988, 8,058,001, 8,076,138, 8,018,150, 8,170,806, 8,377,681, 8,383,346, 8,457,903, 8,504,498, 8,589,085, 8,762,066, 8,849,575, 8,876,066, 8,768,871, 9,593,326, 9,665,694, and all related US and non-US counterparts; Ling et al., Anal. Biochem., 254(2):157-78 [1997]; Dale et al., Meth. Mol. Biol., 57:369-74 [1996]; Smith, Ann. Rev. Genet., 19:423-462 [1985]; Botstein et al., Science, 229:1193-1201 [1985]; Carter, Biochem. J., 237:1-7 [1986]; Kramer et al., Cell, 38:879-887 [1984]; Wells et al., Gene, 34:315-323 [1985]; Minshull et al., Curr. Op. Chem. Biol., 3:284-290 [1999]; Christians et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 17:259-264 [1999]; Crameri et al., Nature, 391:288-291 [1998]; Crameri, et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 15:436-438 [1997]; Zhang et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 94:4504-4509 [1997]; Crameri et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 14:315-319 [1996]; Stemmer, Nature, 370:389-391 [1994]; Stemmer, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA, 91:10747-10751 [1994]; US Pat. Appln. Publn. Nos. 2008/0220990, US 2009/0312196, US2014/0005057, US2014/0214391, US2014/0221216; US2015/0050658, US2015/0133307, US2015/0134315 and all related US and non-US counterparts; WO 95/22625, WO 97/0078, WO 97/35966, WO 98/27230, WO 00/42651, WO 01/75767, and WO 2009/152336; all of which are incorporated herein by reference).

In some embodiments, the enzyme variants obtained following mutagenesis treatment are screened by subjecting the enzyme variants to a defined temperature (or other assay conditions) and measuring the amount of enzyme activity remaining after heat treatments or other assay conditions. DNA containing the polynucleotide encoding the T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide is then isolated from the host cell, sequenced to identify the nucleotide sequence changes (if any), and used to express the enzyme in a different or the same host cell. Measuring enzyme activity from the expression libraries can be performed using any suitable method known in the art (e.g., standard biochemistry techniques, such as HPLC analysis).

For engineered polypeptides of known sequence, the polynucleotides encoding the enzyme can be prepared by standard solid-phase methods, according to known synthetic methods. In some embodiments, fragments of up to about 100 bases can be individually synthesized, then joined (e.g., by enzymatic or chemical litigation methods, or polymerase mediated methods) to form any desired continuous sequence. For example, polynucleotides and oligonucleotides disclosed herein can be prepared by chemical synthesis using the classical phosphoramidite method (See e.g., Beaucage et al., Tetra. Lett., 22:1859-69 [1981]; and Matthes et al., EMBO J., 3:801-05 [1984]), as it is typically practiced in automated synthetic methods. According to the phosphoramidite method, oligonucleotides are synthesized (e.g., in an automatic DNA synthesizer), purified, annealed, ligated and cloned in appropriate vectors.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, a method for preparing the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide can comprise: (a) synthesizing a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the amino acid sequence of any variant provided in Table 5.3, 5.4., 5.5, and/or 5.6, as well as SEQ ID NOS: 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, and 39, and (b) expressing the T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. In some embodiments of the method, the amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide can optionally have one or several (e.g., up to 3, 4, 5, or up to 10) amino acid residue deletions, insertions and/or substitutions. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence has optionally 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 1-10, 1-15, 1-20, 1-21, 1-22, 1-23, 1-24, 1-25, 1-30, 1-35, 1-40, 1-45, or 1-50 amino acid residue deletions, insertions and/or substitutions. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence has optionally 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 amino acid residue deletions, insertions and/or substitutions. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence has optionally 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 amino acid residue deletions, insertions and/or substitutions. In some embodiments, the substitutions can be conservative or non-conservative substitutions.

The expressed engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide can be assessed for any desired improved property (e.g., activity, selectivity, stability, acid tolerance, protease sensitivity, etc.), using any suitable assay known in the art, including but not limited to the assays and conditions described herein.

In some embodiments, any of the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides expressed in a host cell are recovered from the cells and/or the culture medium using any one or more of the well-known techniques for protein purification, including, among others, lysozyme treatment, sonication, filtration, salting-out, ultra-centrifugation, and chromatography.

Chromatographic techniques for isolation of the T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides include, among others, reverse phase chromatography high performance liquid chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, gel electrophoresis, and affinity chromatography. Conditions for purifying a particular enzyme depends, in part, on factors such as net charge, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, molecular weight, molecular shape, etc., and will be apparent to those having skill in the art. In some embodiments, affinity techniques may be used to isolate the improved variant T7 RNA polymerase enzymes. In some embodiments utilizing affinity chromatography purification, any antibody which specifically binds the variant T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide finds use. In some embodiments utilizing affinity chromatography purification, proteins that bind to the glycans covalently attached to T7 RNA polymerase find use. In still other embodiments utilizing affinity-chromatography purifications, any small molecule that binds to the T7 RNA polymerase active site finds use. For the production of antibodies, various host animals, including but not limited to rabbits, mice, rats, etc., are immunized by injection with a T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide (e.g., a T7 RNA polymerase variant), or a fragment thereof. in some embodiments, the T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide or fragment is attached to a suitable carrier, such as BSA, by means of a side chain functional group or linkers attached to a side chain functional group.

In some embodiments, the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide is produced in a host cell by a method comprising culturing a host cell (e.g., S. cerevisiae, Daucus carota, Nicotiana tabacum, H. sapiens (e.g., HEK293T), or Cricetulus griseus (e.g.; CHO)) comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding an engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide as described herein under conditions conducive to the production of the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide and recovering the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide from the cells and/or culture medium.

In some embodiments, the invention encompasses a method of producing an engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide comprising culturing a recombinant eukaryotic cell comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding an engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide having at least 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to reference sequences SEQ ID NOS: 4 and/or 15, and one or more amino acid residue differences as compared to SEQ ID NO: 4 and/or 15, selected from those provided in Tables 5.3, 5.4., 5.5, and/or 5.6, and/or combinations thereof when optimally aligned with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and/or 15, under suitable culture conditions to allow the production of the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide and optionally recovering the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide from the culture and/or cultured bacterial cells.

In some embodiments, once the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides are recovered from the recombinant host cells or cell culture medium, they are further purified by any suitable method(s) known in the art. In some additional embodiments, the purified T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides are combined with other ingredients and compounds to provide compositions and formulations comprising the engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptide as appropriate for different applications and uses (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions). In some additional embodiments, the purified T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides, or the formulated T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides are lyophilized.

Compositions:

The present invention provides various compositions and formats, including but not limited to those described below. In some embodiments, the present invention provides engineered T7 RNA polymerase polypeptides suitable for use in compositions for diagnostic purposes.

EXPERIMENTAL

The following Examples, including experiments and results achieved, are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

In the experimental disclosure below, the following abbreviations apply: ppm (parts per million); M (molar); mM (millimolar), uM and μM (micromolar); nM (nanomolar); mol (moles); gm and g (gram); mg (milligrams); ug and μg (micrograms); L and 1 (liter); ml and mL (milliliter); cm (centimeters); mm (millimeters); um and μm (micrometers); sec. (seconds); min(s) (minute(s)); h(s) and hr(s) (hour(s)); U (units); MW (molecular weight); rpm (rotations per minute); rcf (relative centrifugal force); ° C. (degrees Centigrade); CDS (coding sequence); DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid); RNA (ribonucleic acid); E. coli W3110 (commonly used laboratory E. coli strain, available from the Coli Genetic Stock Center [CGSC], New Haven, Conn.); HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography); MWCO (molecular weight cut-off); SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis); T7RNAP (T7 RNA polymerase); PES (polyethersulfone); CFSE (carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester); IPTG (isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside); PMBS (polymyxin B sulfate); NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate); GIDH (glutamate dehydrogenase); FIOPC (fold improvements over positive control); LB (Luria broth); MeOH (methanol); Athens Research (Athens Research Technology, Athens, Ga.); NEB (New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Mass.); Ion Torrent (Ion Torrent, Gilford, N.H.); ProSpec (ProSpec Tany Technogene, East Brunswick, N.J.); Sigma-Aldrich (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.); Ram Scientific (Ram Scientific, Inc., Yonkers, N.Y.); Pall Corp. (Pall, Corp., Pt. Washington, N.Y.); Millipore (Millipore, Corp., Billerica Mass.); Difco (Difco Laboratories, BD Diagnostic Systems, Detroit, Mich.); Molecular Devices (Molecular Devices, LLC, Sunnyvale, Calif.); Kuhner (Adolf Kuhner, AG, Basel, Switzerland); Axygen (Axygen, Inc., Union City, Calif.); Toronto Research Chemicals (Toronto Research Chemicals Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada); Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, (Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc., Tewksbury, Mass.); Applied Biosystems (Applied Biosystems, part of Life Technologies, Corp., Grand Island, N.Y.), Agilent (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.); Thermo Scientific (part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass.); Ion Torrent NGS (Ion Torrent Next Generation Sequencing); Li-COR (Li-COR, Lincoln, Nebr.); UVP (UVP, Upland, Calif.); Biotium (Biotium, Inc., Fremont, Calif.); Corning (Corning, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif.); Megazyme (Megazyme International, Wicklow, Ireland); Enzo (Enzo Life Sciences, Inc., Farmingdale, N.Y.); GE Healthcare (GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences, Piscataway, N.J.); Pierce (Pierce Biotechnology (now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific), Rockford, Ill.); LI-COR (LI-COR Biotechnology, Lincoln, Nebr.); Amicus (Amicus Therapeutics, Cranbury, N.J.); Phenomenex (Phenomenex, Inc., Torrance, Calif.); Optimal (Optimal Biotech Group, Belmont, Calif.); and Bio-Rad (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, Calif.).

The following polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences find use in the present invention. In some cases (as shown below), the polynucleotide sequence is followed by the encoded polypeptide.

Example 1 T7 RNA Polymerase Gene Acquisition and Construction of Expression Vectors

The wild-type (WT) T7 RNA Polymerase enzyme (SEQ ID NO:2) is encoded by the genome of the bacteriophage T7 (SEQ ID NO:1). A synthetic gene (SEQ ID NO:3) encoding a 6-histidine tagged version of the T7 RNA Polymerase (SEQ ID NO:4) was constructed and subcloned into the Escherichia coli expression vector pCK100900i (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,629,157 and US Pat. Appln. Publn. 2016/0244787, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference). These plasmid constructs were transformed into an E. coli strain derived from W3110. Directed evolution techniques generally known by those skilled in the art were used to generate libraries of gene variants from these plasmids (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,383,346 and WO 2010/144103, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference). The substitutions in the enzyme variants described herein are indicated with reference to the 6His-tagged WT T7 RNA Polymerase enzyme (i.e., SEQ ID NO:4) or variants thereof, as indicated.

Example 2 T7 RNA Polymerase Expression and Purification in High-Throughput (HTP)

In this Example, experiments conducted on T7 RNA polymerase expression and purification of T7 RNA polymerase variants are described.

High-Throughput (HTP) Growth of T7 DNA Polymerase and Variants

Transformed E. coli cells were selected by plating onto LB agar plates containing 1% glucose and 30 μg/ml chloramphenicol. After overnight incubation at 37° C., colonies were placed into the wells of 96-well shallow flat bottom NUNC™ (Thermo-Scientific) plates filled with 180 μl/well LB medium supplemented with 1% glucose and 30 μg/ml chloramphenicol. The cultures were allowed to grow overnight for 18-20 hours in a shaker (200 rpm, 30° C., and 85% relative humidity; Kuhner). Overnight growth samples (20 μL) were transferred into Costar 96-well deep plates filled with 3804 of Terrific Broth supplemented with 30 μg/ml chloramphenicol. The plates were incubated for 120 minutes in a shaker (250 rpm, 30° C., and 85% relative humidity; Kuhner) until the OD600 reached between 0.4-0.8. The cells were then induced with 40 μL of 10 mM IPTG in sterile water and incubated overnight for 18-20 hours in a shaker (250 rpm, 30° C., and 85% relative humidity; Kuhner). The cells were pelleted (4000 rpm×20 min), the supernatants were discarded, and the cells were frozen at −80° C. prior to analysis.

Lysis of HTP Pellets

Cell pellets were resuspended in 400 μL of lysis buffer (50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.5, 10 mM imidazole, 0.1% Tween 20®, 1 mg/ml lysozyme, and 0.5 mg/ml polymyxin B sulfate), and the mixture was agitated for 2 h at room temperature. Lysates were then pelleted (4000 rpm×5 min), and the clarified supernatants were reserved for purification.

HTP Purification of T7RNAP from Crude Lysates

T7RNAP was purified from clarified E. coli lysates by metal-affinity chromatography using HisPur™ Ni-NTA spin plate (Thermo Fisher) according to the manufacturer's instructions. HisPur™ Ni-NTA spin plate was equilibrated with a total of 800 μl of binding buffer (50 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.5, 300 mM NaCl, 10 mM imidazole, 0.1% v/v TWEEN-20® reagent) per well. Then, 100 μl of binding buffer was added to each well followed by 100 ul of HTP lysate containing T7RNAP. The plate was briefly shaken, centrifuged for 1 min at 1100 relative centrifugal force (rcf) and 4° C., and then incubated at room temperature for 15 min. The plate was washed twice with 600 μl of wash buffer (50 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.5, 300 mM NaCl, 25 mM imidazole, 0.1% v/v TWEEN-20® reagent) per well, with 3 min centrifugations at 1100 rcf and 4° C. for each wash. Enzyme samples were eluted with the addition of 105 μl elution buffer (50 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.5, 300 mM NaCl, 250 mM imidazole, 0.1% v/v TWEEN®-20 reagent) by centrifugation for 1 min @ 1100 rcf at 4° C.

Eluates were buffer-exchanged using Zeba™ Spin desalting plates (Thermo Fisher). Briefly, plates were equilibrated twice with 375 μl of 2×T7RNAP storage buffer (100 mM Tris.HCl pH 7.9, 200 mM NaCl, 2 mM DTT, 2 mM EDTA, 0.2% w/v Triton X-100) per well and centrifuged for 2 min @ 1100 rcf at 4° C. Desalting plates were loaded with 90 μl of the HisPur™ Ni-NTA spin plate eluate and centrifuged for 2 min @ 1100 rcf at 4° C. The eluate from the desalting plate was retained and mixed with an equal volume of glycerol for a final storage buffer concentration of 50 mM Tris HCl pH 7.9, 100 mM NaCl, 1 mM DTT, 1 mM EDTA, 0.1% v/v Triton X-100 and 50% glycerol (v/v).

The absence of RNase contamination in purified preps was confirmed using the RNase Alert assay (IDT, Life Technologies). SDS-PAGE analysis of T7RNAP samples showed no detectable contaminating bands for most samples.

For in vitro transcription reactions using HTP-purified T7RNAP, purified polymerase was added to a final concentration of 10% of the total reaction volume (5% for enzyme from shake flask cultures).

Example 3 Shake Flask Expression and Purification of T7 RNA Polymerase

In this Example, experiments involving shake flask expression and purification of T7RNAP are described.

Shake Flask Expression

Selected HTP cultures grown as described in Example 2, were plated onto LB agar plates with 1% glucose and 30 μg/ml chloramphenicol and grown overnight at 37° C. A single colony from each culture was transferred to 6 ml of LB broth with 1% glucose and 30 μg/ml chloramphenicol. The cultures were grown for 18 h at 30° C., 250 rpm, and subcultured at a dilution of approximately 1:10 into 250 ml of Terrific Broth with 30 μg/ml of chloramphenicol, to a final OD600 of 0.2. The cultures were incubated for approximately 3 hours at 30° C., 250 rpm, to an OD600 of 0.6-0.8, and then induced with the addition of IPTG at a final concentration of 1 mM. The induced cultures were incubated for 20 h at 30° C., 250 rpm. Following this incubation period, the cultures were centrifuged at 4000 rpm×10 min. The culture supernatant was discarded, and the pellets were resuspended in 35 mls Lysis buffer (50 mM NaH2PO4, pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCl, 0.1% Tween-20, 10 mM imidazole). This cell suspension was chilled in an ice bath and lysed using a Microfluidizer cell disruptor (Microfluidics M-110L). The crude lysate was pelleted by centrifugation (16,000 rpm for 60 min at 4° C.), and the supernatant was then filtered through a 0.2 μm PES membrane to further clarify the lysate.

Purification of T7 RNA Polymerase from Shake Flask Lysates

T7RNAP lysates were purified using an AKTA Start purification system and a 5 ml HisTrap FF column (GE Healthcare) using the AC Step HiF setting (the run parameters are provided below). The SF wash buffer was comprised of 50 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCl, 0.1% v/v TWEEN-20® reagent (Sigma), and 25 mM imidazole. The SF Elution buffer was comprised of 50 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCl, 0.1% v/v TWEEN-20® reagent (Sigma), and 300 mM imidazole.

TABLE 3.1 Purification Parameters Parameter Volume Column volume 5 ml Flow rate 5 ml/min Pressure limit 0.3 MPa Sample volume 35 mls Equilibration volume 5 column volumes (CV) = 25 mls Wash Unbound volume 15 CV = 75 mls Elution Isocratic (step) Elution volume 5 CV = 25 mls Fraction volume 3 mls RE-equilibration volume 5 CV = 25 mls

The single five most concentrated 3 ml fractions were identified by UV absorption (A280), and dialyzed overnight in 2×T7RNAP storage buffer (100 mM Tris HCl pH 7.9, 200 mM NaCl, 2 mM DTT, 2 mM EDTA, 0.2% v/v Triton X-100) overnight in a 10K Slide-A-Lyzer™ dialysis cassette (Thermo Fisher) for buffer exchange for 16 hours, followed by a second buffer exchange for 24 hours. An equal volume of glycerol was added to the dialyzed material. Enzyme concentrations in the preparations were measured by gel densitometry and absorption at 280 nm.

Example 4 Transcription Reactions

Transcription reactions were assembled with the cap analog alpha, gamma-Bis (N7-methylguanosine) triphosphate (also referred to herein as “m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G,” “capped-GTP,” or “Cap”) (See, Grudzien et. al., RNA, 10:1479-87 [2004]). An engineered transcription DNA template GlmS-16A (SEQ ID NO: 5) includes a T7RNAP promoter sequence coupled to coding sequence for the Bacillus anthracis GlmS riboswitch (SEQ ID NO:6). Upon induction with its ligand, glucosamine-6-phosphate, the GlmS riboswitch self-cleaves and releases a 16-mer RNA nucleotide (SEQ ID NO: 7) from the 5′ end of the transcript, which includes the cap structure or an uncapped 5′ phosphate. This small 16-mer RNA oligonucleotide cleavage product was amenable to ionization and analysis by LC-MS, which was used to distinguish the capped and uncapped species.

Reactions (30 ul) were assembled in a total of 30 uL per well with final concentrations of 50 mM Tris HCl pH 7.9, 30 mM MgCl₂, 10 mM DTT, 6 mM ATP, 6 mM CTP, 6 mM UTP, 4.8 mM GTP, 1.2 mM m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G, 50 ng/μl GlmS-16A transcription template, 1U/μl RNasin inhibitor, and 6.4 mM glucosamine-6-phosphate, and included 10% (v/v) (3 ul) of purified and desalted T7RNAP from Example 3. For HTP screening, reactions were incubated at 37° C. for 4 h and quenched with an equal (30 μl) volume of 40 mM EDTA. The total of m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G and GTP was held at 6 mM. Glucosamine-6-phosphate was included at the start of the reaction, and cleavage of the riboswitch was allowed to proceed during the 4 hour in vitro transcription.

Example 5 LC-MS Activity Assay

This Example describes an LC-MS method developed for separation of smaller RNA fragments using a Thermo LTQ MS system for the analysis of shorter capped 5′- and uncapped 5′ triphosphate cleavage products.

The 7meG-capped and 5′ triphosphate uncapped 16-mer cleavage products (SEQ ID NO: 7) were chromatographically separated (See, FIG. 1) from reactants and higher MW RNAs with a reverse phase ion-paired HPLC method using a C18 column and HFIP mobile phase commonly used for the resolution of oligonucleotides for mass spectrometry (See, Table 5.1).

TABLE 5.1 LC-MS Method Used for Detecting Capped and Uncapped 16-mer Cleavage Products Instrument Accela HPLC coupled with Thermo LTQ MS system; fused silica tubing from column to MS; bypass UV. The UV detector was reconnected for Stage 2 screening experiments to allow measurement of cleaved product Column Waters Xterra MS C18, 50 × 2.1 mm, 5 μm, with Phenomenex C18 guard Mobile Phase A: 400 mM HFIP, ~16.3 mM* TEA in water, pH 7.9 (* adjust TEA to reach pH) (weigh HFIP, dissolve TEA additions slowly) B: 200 mM HFIP, ~8.15 mM TEA in 50/50 water/methanol (use A to make B) Flow Rate 240 ul/min Gradient 60% A at 0′; ramp to 50% A at 1.25′; ramp to 20% A at 5′; back to 60% A at 5.5′, and hold at 60% A through 7.5′ (end). Detection LTQ; divert flow from MS between 0-2 min and again between 5.5-7.5 min. BP extracted ions for: Uncapped 16-mer product = 903.8, 1084.6, 1355.9, 1361.4, 1808.1, 1815.6, 1820.8 Capped 16-mer product = 952.7, 1143.4, 1429.2, 1438.7, 1906.1, 1918.6, 1931.3 MS Conditions MS Polarity: Negative; Ionization: ESI; Mode: Q1 Scan from 800-2000; Probe Height: B; Sheath gas: 20; Aux gas: 5; Sweep gas: 0; Spray V: 5; Cap temp: 275 C.; Cap V: −20; Tube lens: −85; Multipole 00: 3.5; Lens 0: 5.5; Multipole 0: 5.75; Lens 1: 38; Gate: 78; Multipole 1: 16; Multipole RF: 400; Front Lens 5.75. Column Temp. 35° C. Sampler Temp. 7° C. Injection Volume 10 μL Runtime 7.5 min (with injector cycle time, it takes ~8.4 min/sample.) Peak RT of capped & uncapped products: ~4.5 min (RT shifts with each batch of Identification mobile phase) Details

Base-peak extractions for capped and uncapped 16-mer cleavage products were performed using seven ions for each species, including multiple negatively charged ions and metal adducts. The peak intensities for these seven ions were used to derive the signal for each of the capped and uncapped 16-mer cleavage products. These ions include multiple charged states as well as sodium and potassium adducts (See, Table 5.2). All ions were observed within 1 mass unit of the expected values.

TABLE 5.2 Ions Measured for Mass Spec Integration Measured − Charge Theoretical Measured Theoretical Product Ion Name State Adduct m/z m/z m/z Uncapped (M − 6H)/6 6- 903.7 903.8 0.1 16-mer (M − 5H)/5 5- 1084.6 1084.6 0 (M − 4H)/4 4- 1356 1355.9 −0.1 (M + Na − 4- Na 1361.5 1361.4 −0.1 5H)/4 (M − 3H)/3 3- 1808.3 1808.1 −0.2 (M + Na − 3- Na 1815.7 1815.6 −0.1 4H)/3 (M + K − 4H)/3 3- K 1821 1820.8 −0.2 Capped (M − 6H)/6 6- 952.9 952.7 −0.02 16-mer (M − 5H)/5 5- 1143.6 1143.4 −0.02 (M − 4H)/4 4- 1429.8 1429.2 −0.06 (M + K − 5H)/4 4- K 1439.3 1438.7 −0.06 (M − 3H)/3 3- 1906.7 1906.1 −0.06 (M + K − 4H)/3 3- K 1919.4 1918.6 −0.08 (M + 2K − 3- 2K 1932.1 1931.3 −0.08 5H)/3

Capping performance relative the WT T7RNAP (i.e., the “Fold-Improvement Over Parent,” or “FIOP”) was calculated by dividing the capped/uncapped peak intensity ratios for each sample by the ratios calculated for WT parental controls present on each plate (n=6 to 10). The FIOP value was used to rank variant performance relative to the WT T7RNAP or the library parent, which were included as controls on every plate. By using this relative quantitation method, it was possible to cancel out differences in ionization that were inherent between the capped and uncapped species, as well as variations in signal caused by the batch of HFIP mobile phase and EDTA concentration. In vitro transcription reactions were performed as described in Example 4, with reaction times and m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G concentrations as indicated in the tables that follow. Table 5.3, 5.4, and 5.5 report the average activity improvement for 3 to 6 replicates. Table 5.6 reports the average activity improvement for variants where replicated information is available.

TABLE 5.3 T7RNAP Variant Activity Improvement Activity Amino Acid Changes Relative to Variant # improvement SEQ ID NO: 4 1 +++ A397W 2 +++ R401V 3 +++ A397M 4 +++ A397F 5 +++ R401S 6 +++ R401I 7 +++ E357R 8 +++ E357K 9 +++ A32V/E357I 10 +++ K394R 11 +++ E357N 12 +++ E357W 13 +++ K394A 14 +++ K394L 15 ++ E97D/E357G 16 ++ E357Q 17 ++ E357L 18 ++ E357S 19 ++ A397Q 20 ++ E357M 21 ++ E357V 22 ++ E357T 23 ++ R639H 24 ++ E357L 25 ++ E357G 26 ++++ P664W 27 +++ D660W 28 +++ D513W 29 +++ D660T 30 +++ D660S 31 +++ K167N/S514L 32 +++ D660C 33 +++ D513R 34 ++ S514L 35 ++ D513L 36 ++ S514I 37 ++ A136I 38 ++ D513T 39 ++ A136E 40 ++ S514F 41 ++ D660A 42 ++ D513C 43 ++ D513F 44 ++ D660N/H806Y 45 + A302V/D513G 46 + D660M 47 + S514Y 48 + D513K 49 +++ S635W 50 +++ D137W 51 +++ T637G 52 +++ Q656F 53 ++ S404Y 54 ++ R314C/R401V 55 ++ M446W 56 ++ T661E 57 ++ T637G 58 + T250D 59 + T643A 60 + R401L 61 + D478F 62 + A582N 63 + Q656W 64 + N444I 65 + S404E 66 + N444F 67 + V636L 68 + N444V 69 + T661Y 70 + Y392D 71 + T637P 72 + F653C 73 + E49G/M642L 74 + M446Y 75 + D478M 76 + R393L 77 + R401A 78 + T637S 79 + R160L/T643S 80 + M642L 81 + D478W 82 + R393Y 83 + N444H 84 + A645V Reactions were performed with 1.2 mM m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G and 4.8 mM GTP in a 4 hour reaction. Activity levels were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4. The activity improvement values correspond to: ++++ = >5 +++ = 1.9 to 4.99 ++ = 1.5 to 1.89 + = 1.3 to 1.49

TABLE 5.4 T7RNAP Variant Activity Improvement Activity Amino Acid Changes Variant # improvement Relative to SEQ ID NO: 15 85 +++ D513L/D660W 86 +++ S635W/D660T 87 +++ D137W/R401S/D513R 88 +++ D137W/R401I 89 +++ D137W/Q656F 90 +++ S635W/Q656F 91 +++ D137W/S635W 92 +++ D660T 93 +++ D137W/D513W 94 +++ D137W/D513R/K621R 95 ++ D137W/R401S/D513W 96 ++ D137W/R401V 97 ++ L113M/D137W/D513R 98 ++ D137W/R401S 99 ++ D513R/S635W/Q656F 100 ++ D137W/R401S 101 + D513L/S635W 102 + D660S 103 + D137W 104 + R401S/S635W 105 + R401S/D513R/S635W 106 +++ E357R/K394R/R401V/S404Y/S514L 107 +++ R401V/S404Y/S514L 108 +++ A136I/K394R/S404Y/M446W 109 ++ A136E/S404Y/M446W 110 ++ A136I/R401V/S404Y 111 ++ R401V/S404Y 112 ++ A136E/E357I/S404Y/S514I 113 + A136I/E357I/S514F 114 + A136E/S404Y/S514F 115 + E357R/S514F 116 + A136I/E357K/S514F 117 + A136I/M446W 118 + E357N/K394R/M446W/S514I 119 + A136I/R401V 120 + A136E/S514F 121 + A136I/S514I 122 + K394R/M446W/S514I Screening was conducted with 1 mM m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G, 5 mM GTP in a 16 hour reaction. Activity levels were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 15. The reported activity improvement values correspond to: +++ = ≥2.5 ++ = 2 to 2.49 + = 1.3 to 1.99

It was noted that Variant 85 had undetectable levels of uncapped mRNA in the LC-MS assay.

TABLE 5.5 T7RNAP Variant Activity Improvement Activity Amino Acid Changes Relative to Variant # improvement SEQ ID NO: 4 123 +++ D513W/S635W/D660F 124 +++ D513Y/D660W/P664W 125 +++ D513W/S635W/D660F 126 +++ D513W/S635W/P664W 127 +++ A475V/D513W/S635W/D660Y 128 +++ D660Y/P664W 129 ++ D513F/D660W/P664Y 130 ++ A397W/D513W/S635W/D660W 131 ++ A397W/D513W/S635W 132 ++ A397Y/D513W/S635W/D660F 133 + D513Y/S635W/D660F 134 + D513Y/S635W/D660Y 135 + A397F/D513W/S635W 136 + A397W/D513Y/S635W/D660F 137 + A397W/D513Y/S635W 138 + A397F/D513Y/S635W Screening with 1 mM m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G, 5 mM GTP in a 16 hour reaction. Activity levels were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 15. The activity improvement values correspond to: +++ = ≥2.5 ++ = 2 to 2.49 + = 1.3 to 1.99

TABLE 5.6 T7RNAP Variant Activity Improvement Variant Activity Amino Acid Changes Relative # improvement to SEQ ID NO: 4 130 +++ A397W/D513W/S635W/D660W 123 +++ D513W/S635W/D660F 124 +++ D513Y/D660W/P664W 131 +++ A397W/D513W/S635W 128 +++ D660Y/P664W 129 +++ D513F/D660W/P664Y 135 +++ A397F/D513W/S635W 127 +++ A475V/D513W/S635W/D660Y 139 +++ A397Y/D660F/P664W 126 +++ D513W/S635W/P664W 140 +++ A397W/D513W/S635W/Q656Y 134 +++ D513Y/S635W/D660Y 141 +++ A397W/S635W/Q656F/P664W 133 +++ D513Y/S635W/D660F 136 +++ A397W/D513Y/S635W/D660F 142 +++ D660W/P664F 132 +++ A397Y/D513W/S635W/D660F 143 ++ A397F/D513F/S635W/D660W 137 ++ A397W/D513Y/S635W 144 ++ S635F/Q656Y/P664W 145 ++ D513W/S635W 146 ++ A397W/D513W/S635W/D660Y/P664Y 147 ++ A397Y/D513Y/S635W 148 ++ S635W/D660W 138 ++ A397F/D513Y/S635W 149 ++ A397W/D513Y/S635W/Q656Y/D660W/P664W 150 ++ A397W/D513F/S635W 151 ++ D513F/D660W/P664F 152 ++ D513F/S635W/P664W 153 ++ D513F/S635W/Q656W 154 ++ A397W/D513W/P664W 155 ++ S635W/P664W 156 ++ A397W/S635W/D660W 157 ++ D513Y/S635W/D660Y/P664F 158 ++ A397Y/D513F/S635W/P664W 159 ++ S635W/D660F 160 ++ A397W/D660F/P664Y 161 ++ A397W/S635W 162 ++ A397F/D513W/S635W/Q656F/P664F 163 ++ D513Y/S635W 164 ++ A397F/D513F/S635W 165 ++ A397W/D513W/S635F 166 ++ A397W/D660F/P664F 167 ++ A397W/S635W/D660Y 168 ++ A397F/D513Y/S635W/P664F 169 ++ A397W/D513F/D660Y/P664F 170 ++ P664W 171 ++ S635W/Q656W 172 ++ A397Y/S635W/D660F 173 ++ A397W/S635W/P664F 174 ++ D513Y/S635F/P664W 175 ++ A397F/P664W 176 ++ A397Y/S635W 177 + L658P 178 + S635F/Q656F/P664Y 179 + A397W/S635F/P664F 180 + D513Y/D660Y/P664F 181 + A397Y/D513W/S635F/P664Y 182 + D660F/P664Y 183 + A397F/S635W 184 + A397F/D513W/P664W 185 + A397W/D513F/D660W 186 + A397W/S635W/P664W/A850T 187 + A397W/D513F/S635F/Q656F/D660F/P664W 188 + A397W/D513W/P664F 189 + A397W/S635W/Q656F/P664Y 190 + A397W/D513F/S635F/D660W 191 + D513F/S635W 192 + A397W/S635W/Q656F/P664F 193 + A397W/D513Y/S635W/Q656Y/P664Y 194 + S635W 195 + D513W/S635W/Q656W/D660F 196 + D513Y/S635R/Q656F/P664Y 197 + D513W/S635F 198 + Q656W/D660W/P664Y 199 + A397W/D660W 200 + A397W/D513W/S635W/D660W/P664Y 201 + D513W/Q656Y/D660W 202 + K399E/S635F/D660W 203 + D513W/D660W 204 + A397Y/S635W/Q656F/D660Y/P664W 205 + D660F/P664F 206 + A397W/S635F 207 + A397Y/D513W/Q656W/D660W 208 + D513Y/S635F/D660F/P664Y 209 + A397F/D513Y/S635W/Q656W 210 + D513F/D660W 211 + D513W/D660F 212 + A397W/D513F 213 + A397W/D513W 214 + Q656W/D660F/P664Y 215 + D513Y/P664Y 216 + A397W/D513Y/S635F 217 + D513W/Q656W/P664W 218 + A397W/D513W/D660W 219 + A397W/D513F/D660F 220 + A397F/D660W 221 + A397F/S635F/D660W 222 + A397Y/S635F/D660W 223 + D513Y/D660W 224 + A397Y/P664F 225 + A397W/D513W/D660W/P664Y 226 + P664F 227 + A397Y/D513F/S635W/Q656F/D660W/P664F 228 + S635F/D660W/P664F 229 + A397F/D513Y/Q656H/D660W 230 + A397F/D513F/S635F 231 + A397W 232 + A397Y/S635F 233 + A397Y/D513Y 234 + D513F/S635F 235 + A397F/D513F 236 + A397F/D513Y 237 + D513W 238 + A397Y 239 + A397F 240 + D513F 241 + A397W/D513W/S635F/Q656W/D660F 242 + A397W/E837K 243 + D660F 244 + D513Y/S635F Screening with 1 mM m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G, 5 mM GTP. Activity levels were determined relative to the reference polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4. The activity improvement values correspond to: +++ = ≥15 ++ = 7 to 14.9 + = 2 to 6.9

Example 6 Determination of RNA Yield

In vitro transcription reactions were performed as described in Example 4, but using a luciferase template (SEQ ID NO: 10). mRNA yields from in vitro transcription reactions were performed according to the manufacturer's protocol for the Quant-iT RNA Assay kit (broad-range, Q-33140, Thermo Fisher). mRNA abundance was calculated using a standard curve derived for the mRNA standards provided with the assay kit.

TABLE 6.1 RNA Yields SEQ ID VARIANT ID NO: NO: RNA Yield 4 N/A ++ 15 26 ++ 17 86 + 19 85 + 30 125 ++ 33 134 ++ 35 107 ++ 37 106 ++ Reported yield values correspond to: ++ = >1.8 mg/ml RNA yield + = 1 to 1.8 ug/ul RNA yield

Example 7 Determination of T7RNAP Variant Transcription Fidelity

Polymerase fidelity was measured based on directly sequencing a large number of RT-PCR clones derived from mRNA transcribed from variant polymerases. In vitro transcription reactions were performed as described in Example 4, using 0.5 mM m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G, 5.5 mM GTP, and omitting glucosamine-6-phosphate. The inclusion of m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G allowed the measurement of the contribution of this cap analog (if any) to the error rate of WT and variant polymerases under process-relevant conditions. A 1.7 kb luciferase template DNA (SEQ ID NO: 8) served as a DNA template for transcription using wild-type and variant T7 RNAPs to generate full-length mRNA transcripts. RNA was isolated using the Zymo RNA Clean and concentrator-25 kit (Zymo Research), and residual DNA was removed from the RNA samples by two successive treatments with the DNA-free DNAase I kit (Ambion/Thermo Fisher). Samples were reverse-transcribed with Accuprime Reverse Transcriptase (Agilent) using an oligo-(dT)₂₅ primer (SEQ ID NO: 40) annealing to the poly(A) tail on the luciferase template. The RT reaction was then amplified using PHUSION® high-fidelity DNA polymerase using HF buffer (New England Biolabs) via PCR to generate a 1675-bp amplicon, using gene-specific primers (SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:13) annealing to the luciferase coding sequence. Amplified fragments were digested with BglI (New England Biolabs), ligated into a cloning vector, and transformed to generate single clones in E. coli.

Individual clones were picked and sequenced using a multiplex barcoding strategy on the Ion Torrent PGM platform (Thermo Fisher). Barcoded reads were deconvoluted, and sequences of individual clones were then assembled against the expected template sequences for the 1632-bp region between SEQ ID NO: 12 and SEQ ID NO: 13. Mutations including small insertion, deletions (i.e., indels), and single-nucleotide polymorphisms were tallied. Most mutations observed were substitutions, although insertions and deletions were also observed. The total number of mutations per base of sequenced mRNA-derived clones was calculated, and is reported in Tables 7.1 and 7.2. The expected overall rate of mutations per base based on the literature is the sum of errors due to the T7RNAP (1×10⁻⁴) (Huang et al., Biochem., 39:11571-11580 [2000]), Accuscript reverse transcriptase (6×10−5) (Agilent; See, product literature), and Phusion DNA polymerase (1.2×10-5) (20 cycles; See, NEB product literature), or 1.72×10⁻⁴ overall. Most variant polymerases demonstrated overall error rates near the reported literature value for T7RNAP, even in the presence of 0.5 mM m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G.

A one-tailed (right-side) binomial test was used to calculate the probability of sampling the observed number of errors (or greater) given number of bases sequenced if the actual error rate in the experiment is equal to the observed overall error rate for T7RNAP-WT in the separate experiments presented in Tables 7.1 and 7.2. The fidelity of a given variant was considered indistinguishable from the WT T7RNAP in this assay for p values greater than 0.05. In Table 7.I, “+” is less than 1.7*10⁻⁴, and “−” is greater than 1.7*10⁻⁴ in the observed error rate result column, while “+” is p>0.05 and “−” is 0<0.05 in the binomial test result column. In Table 7.2, “+” is less than 1.5×10⁻⁴ and “−” is greater than 1.5×10⁻⁴ in the observed error rate result column, while “+” is p>0.05 and “−” is p<0.05 in the binomial test result column.

TABLE 7.1 Error Rates for Some T7RNAP Variants SEQ ID Variant ID NO: NO: Observed Error Rate Binomial Test 4 N/A + + 15 26 + + 17 86 + + 19 85 + − 21 87 + + 23 93 − − 25 95 + + 27 88 + +

TABLE 7.2 Error Rates for Some T7RNAP Variants SEQ ID Variant ID NO: NO: Observed Error Rate Binomial Test 4 N/A + + 29 108 + + 31 125 − − 33 134 + + 35 107 + + 37 106 + + 39 133 + −

While the invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments, various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted to adapt to a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, thereby achieving benefits of the invention without departing from the scope of what is claimed.

For all purposes in the United States of America, each and every publication and patent document cited in this application is incorporated herein by reference as if each such publication or document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Citation of publications and patent documents is not intended as an indication that any such document is pertinent prior art, nor does it constitute an admission as to its contents or date. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An engineered RNA polymerase comprising a polypeptide sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity to the reference sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, wherein said engineered RNA polymerase comprises a substitution at position 404 in said polypeptide sequence, and wherein the amino acid positions of said polypeptide sequence are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4.
 2. The engineered RNA polymerase of claim 1, wherein said polypeptide further comprises a substitution set selected from 397/513/635, 397/513/635/660, 513/660/664, 513/635/660, 513/635/664, 513/660/664, and 660/664, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4.
 3. The engineered RNA polymerase of claim 1, wherein said polypeptide further comprises at least one substitution or substitution set selected from 397, 397/513, 397/513/635, 397/513/635, 397/513/635/656, 397/513/635/656/660, 397/513/635/656/660/664, 397/513/635/656/664, 397/513/635/660, 397/513/635/660/664, 397/513/635/664, 397/513/656/660, 397/513/660, 397/513/660/664, 397/513/664, 397/513, 397/635, 397/635/656/660/664, 397/635/656/664, 397/635/660, 397/635/664, 397/635/664/850, 397/660, 397/664, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:4.
 4. The engineered RNA polymerase of claim 1, wherein at least one substitution or substitution set is selected from 113/137/513, 136/357/514, 136/357/514, 136/394/446, 136/401, 136/401, 136/446, 136/514, 136/446, 136/514, 137, 137/401, 137/401/513, 137/401/513, 137/513, 137/513/621, 137/635, 137/656, 357/394/401/514, 357/394/446/514, 357/514, 394/446/514, 401, 401/514, 401/513/635, 401/635, 513/635, 513/635/656, 513/660, 635/656, 635/660, and 660, and/or any combinations thereof, wherein the amino acid positions are numbered with reference to SEQ ID NO:15.
 5. The engineered RNA polymerase of claim 1, wherein said engineered RNA polymerase comprises a polypeptide sequence that is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more identical to the sequence of at least one engineered RNA polymerase variant set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35, or
 37. 6. The engineered RNA polymerase of claim 1, wherein said engineered RNA polymerase comprises a variant engineered polymerase set forth in SEQ ID NO: 29, 35, or
 37. 7. The engineered RNA polymerase of claim 1, wherein said engineered polymerase exhibits at least one improved property compared to wild-type T7 RNA polymerase.
 8. The engineered RNA polymerase of claim 7, wherein said at least one improved property is selected from improved selectivity for cap analog relative to GTP during transcription initiation, improved protein expression, improved stability in storage buffer, and improved stability under reaction conditions.
 9. The engineered RNA polymerase of claim 1, wherein the polymerase maintains RNA yield, transcription fidelity, thermostability, protein expression, stability at −20° C., or stability in reaction conditions equivalent to the wild-type T7 RNA polymerase.
 10. The engineered RNA polymerase of claim 1, wherein said engineered polymerase is purified.
 11. A polynucleotide sequence encoding at least one engineered RNA polymerase of claim
 1. 12. A polynucleotide sequence encoding at least one engineered RNA polymerase comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity to the reference sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, wherein said engineered RNA polymerase comprises a substitution at position
 404. 13. A polynucleotide sequence encoding at least one engineered RNA polymerase comprising at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 29, 35,
 37. 14. A polynucleotide sequence encoding at least one engineered RNA polymerase, wherein said polynucleotide sequences comprises at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity SEQ ID NO: 28, 34, or
 36. 15. The polynucleotide sequence of claim 11, wherein said polynucleotide sequence is operably linked to a control sequence.
 16. The polynucleotide sequence of claim 11, wherein said polynucleotide sequence is codon optimized.
 17. An expression vector comprising at least one polynucleotide sequence of claim
 11. 18. An isolated host cell comprising at least one expression vector of claim
 17. 19. A method of producing an engineered RNA polymerase in a host cell, comprising culturing the host cell of claim 18, under suitable cultures conditions, such that at least one engineered RNA polymerase is produced.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising recovering at least one engineered RNA polymerase from the culture and/or host cell.
 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of purifying said at least one engineered RNA polymerase.
 22. A composition comprising at least one engineered RNA polymerase of claim
 1. 23. A method for producing capped RNA transcripts in vitro, comprising providing a composition comprising: i) at least one engineered RNA polymerase of claim 1, a dinucleotide cap analog, and ii) a DNA template; exposing said DNA template to said composition under conditions such that said engineered RNA polymerase produces a capped RNA transcript.
 24. The method of claim 23, where the dinucleotide cap analog is alpha, gamma-bis(N7-methylguanosine) triphosphate (m7G(5′)ppp(5′)m7G) or an anti-reverse cap analog 3′-O-Me-m⁷G(5′)ppp(5′)G.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the dinucleotide cap analog is alpha, gamma-bis(N7-methylguanosine) triphosphate.
 26. The method of claim 23, further comprising the addition of inorganic pyrophosphatase. 